SPENNYMOOR TOWN boss Jason Ainsley claimed his side "controlled the game" despite losing to Darlington.

Moors were unbeaten in 13 matches before travelling to Blackwell Meadows where they lost 2-1, Quakers' winner being a Stephen Thompson penalty awarded by referee Jonathan Urwin.

Defender Nathan Buddle was adjudged to have tangled with Sean Reid, but Ainsley said: "The manner of the defeat was disappointing. The referee gave that penalty because he missed the first penalty when Ryan Hall caught Sean Reid’s legs – that was more of a penalty. I thought there was nothing in it, I couldn’t see anything.

"He gave a big decision which cost us. That was never a penalty, if it was at the other end I don’t think the referee would have given it.

"I thought we controlled the game, they had one header which went straight down Gouldy’s throat. I thought Shane Henry had to score.

"I thought we controlled the game in the second half, but the big decisions killed us, I don’t think we deserved to lose the game.

"I thought we created the better chances in the second half. We grew into the game as it went on, and we didn’t look under any threat in the second half.

"I thought Ben McKenna showed great wing play to create our goal, he took on and beat two players and stuck in a great cross which invited Glen to be headed in, which he did well. Chris Elliott pulled off a great save from him in the first half.

"Fair play to Darlington, they’re on a good run like ourselves, but we seem to give penalties away every time we play at Blackwell Meadows. The lads are down, because they didn’t deserve to lose the game."