CHALFONT St Peter FC were left ruing a controversial decision on the stroke of half time as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Beaconsfield on Boxing Day.

They were trailing 1-0 when their keeper Michael Power-Simpson was dismissed after bringing down an opposing forward on the six-yard line.

Beaconsfield converted the penalty and despite Saints responding well to share the second half 1-1 thanks to Sam Grayling’s goal, the damage had been done.

Manager Danny Edwards said: “They didn’t have a great first half and we didn’t have a great first half, but we walked in 2-0 down and with ten men.

“It was a big decision. It was certainly a penalty, but to send the keeper off ruined the game.

“The player didn’t have control of the ball and was moving away from goal. He’d have had to have been the quickest player in the world to keep the ball in play.

“It was a shame. Beaconsfield deserved it on the day, but I think the official was out of his depth.”

Beaconsfield, who are just one place out of the play-offs again after that win, go to Godalming on Saturday while Chalfont St Peter are at home to Royston.