Truro City manager John Askey has hailed the ‘grit and determination’ of his side as they drew 1-1 at National League South leaders Farnborough with nine men.
Tyler Harvey’s ninth minute free-kick had given Askey’s side the lead, but despite pressure from the home side Truro held their own.
But Billy Palfrey was sent off for a second yellow card after 67 minutes before skipper Connor Riley-Lowe followed him straight down the tunnel after protesting to the referee about the decision.
Despite a number of good saves from Dan Lavercombe, Farnborough finally equalised when Taylor Clark’s deflected effort beat the Truro keeper with seven minutes to go.
The point sees Truro drop to fourth place in the table while Farnborough are two points clear at the top having played a game more than the rest of the top four.
“You can’t ask any more of any team,” Askey told BBC Radio Cornwall.
“For us to come away with a draw, even the goal that they scored was a deflection – I couldn’t be more pleased with how the lads have performed.
“They showed real grit and determination, as they have done throughout the season.
“If we keep doing that, then obviously we’ll be where we want to be. Before the game we would probably have settled for a point, but under the circumstances it was a fantastic effort.”
But Askey was unhappy with the manner in which his side were reduced to nine men.
It led to the Tinners having to play with nobody up front as they tried in vain to hold out for a win.
“The one (yellow card) for Bill is a little bit harsh, I can see why he has given it,” he said.
“Why he’s given Connor a second yellow card for just asking why he’s sent him off, and not even swore at him, and then he said to him after ‘I didn’t realise you’re on a yellow card, but I’ve got to send you off’, that’s just crazy.
“I think he lost control of the game, you could see during the first half that he was starting to lose control and that’s what happens.
“He felt a bit of pressure because their crowd were getting riled up and he couldn’t handle it I’m afraid.”