Fifth red card halts match

It was abandoned after 82 minutes when a fifth Wingate player was sent off, leaving them unable to field the legal minimum of seven players.

There was no reason to dispute any of the dismissals, yet they were all isolated incidents. No-one would describe it as a dirty game. The first half was hard-fought but goalless, and it was seven minutes into the second period when the first red card was shown, to Ahmet Rifat for violent conduct in an off-the ball incident.

Nine minutes later a foul by Osa Obamwonyi earned him a yellow card, and a red one since he had been cautioned early in the game for handling.

The offence also produced a Thurrock penalty, which Stuart Thurgood converted for what would be the only goal of the afternoon.

A wild challenge from behind by Ronayne Marsh-Brown had referee Sam Purkiss reaching for his red card again in the 72nd minute and Jon Christian departed seven minutes later, earning his second yellow for kicking the ball away.

When Scott Shulton received his marching orders for his language to the referee the game had to end. It is believed to be the first time in the league’s 108-year history that a game has been abandoned for this reason.

The League will make a decision about the result of the game at the earliest opportunity.