North Leigh were fuming after the controversial sending-off of left back Michael Hopkins meant they had to play for more than an hour with ten men.

But they still battled to a 1-1 draw in their Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South West clash at Bridgwater, who themselves had a player red-carded in the second half.

The Millers were leading through Jamie Cook’s cool finish from Callum McNish’s cross after eight minutes, when the game erupted midway through the first half.

Following a cross from the left into the penalty area, Hopkins appeared to beat Bridgwater’s Tom Knighton to the ball and flick it clear with his outstretched leg.

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But following Knighton’s theathrical fall, referee Lee Roberts sent off Hopkins amid vehement protests.

Knighton equalised from the resultant penalty.

The Millers’ reshuffled defence, with Andy Caton now at left back, restricted the hosts to few chances, the best of which saw Kyle Tooze hit a post.

Fifteen minues from time, Bridgwater’s Craig Allan received a second caution as he tugged back McNish and was dismissed.

In the final few minutes, both sides, now even in numbers,went for the winning goal without success.

North Leigh: Bulman, Hole, Hopkins, Turk, Gunn, Caton, Else, McNish, Ingram (Bowles 81), Cook (Williams 68), Woodley.

Attendance: 124.

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