Devonshire Colts 2

DandyTown 1

Devonshire Colts marksman Aljame Zuill's late controversial winner sparked angry scenes at White Hill Field yesterday as referee Stuart Crockwell had to be escorted into the dressing room.

The injury-time goal, which left league champions Dandy Town anchored near the bottom of the Premier Division table with just one point from three outings, angered Hornets players, coaching staff and supporters after Crockwell had ignored his linesman's flag for offside against Zuill.

Crockwell waved play on, allowing striker Zuill to score with a crisp, low drive past Jason Smith in the Town net.

The goal completed a dramatic fightback by Colts who netted twice in the last five minutes.

Skipper Shannon Burgess set the stage for the thrilling end, equalising in the 85th minute from the penalty spot. Burgess made good his kick to erase Seyoum Tuzo's 65th minute goal for the visitors.

Town drew first blood when substitute Paul Cann supplied the initial cross for Tuzo to blast into the roof of the net after a brief scramble in the Colts goalmouth.

Apart from Colts' late heroics, combined with Crockwell's disputed calls, the match was largely uneventful as both teams failed to live up to expectations.

Town enjoyed the lion's share of possession during the opening half. Devarr Boyles, back from injury and proving a handful up front, was instrumental as Town tried to penetrate.

Colts coach Ray Jones must have reserved strong words for his men during the break as they began the second half with more urgency, twice having shots cleared off the line by Town defenders.

Jones brought on Keimon Lawrence, Clevon Hill and Kuma Smith, for Aberdeen, Dill and Holder, in a desperate bid to break the deadlock.

Town, seemingly with the win secured, were coasting until referee Crockwell pointed to the penalty spot and then allowed Zuill's goal to stand, thus providing the `Halloween boys', with an early trick and a treat.

Colts: K.Bean, S.Burgess, D.Zuill, M.Hollis, Jer.Belboda, A.Zuill, L.Holder, (K.Smith 65 mins), Q.Aberdeen, (K.Lawrence 52 mins), J.Dill, Jerm.Beldoda, K.Burchall, (C.Hill 70 mins)

Dandy Town: J.Smith, L.Christopher, K.Mundy, R.Swan, L.Furbert, (P.Cann 60 mins), D.Binns, S.Smith, B.O'Riordan, S.Tuzo, D.Boyles, D.Simons

Referee: S.Crockwell

Men of the Match: S.Burgess (Colts); L.Furbert (Town)

Yellow cards: D.Zuill, (Colts); R.Swan, (Town).