ByJames Masters, James Masters
Paul Levy believes his Republic of Mancunia 2nd side were robbed of a precious point during a titanic tussle with Oakhill Lions.
With the teams level at 1-1, Simon Finkelstein struck an injury-time winner for the Lions, despite appearing to be in an offside position.
The failure of the referee to rule out the goal left Levy in disbelief but the Republic boss says his men will have to take it on the chin.
“Their guy was about five yards offside and it was so obvious,” said Levy.
“Both teams stopped because they thought it was offside and the referee had the whistle in his lips but didn’t blow.
“I can’t see how he’s not ruled it out when the guy is clearly offside.
“But there’s nothing we can do about it now. We just have to move on and make sure we try and do better next time.”
Blake Englander’s goal had given Levy’s side the advantage going into the break before Jonny Davies equalised for the hosts.
But Finkelstein’s disputed striker sealed the points for Oakhill and left Levy downbeat after another slender defeat.
“We’ve lost a few games by the odd goal now so it’s not like we’re doing much wrong," he added.
“We’ve got Crumpsall next and we’ll have to be up for that one because they’re doing quite well at the moment.
“We started the season really well and hopefully we can get back to where we were.”