GOBSMACKED Paul Gazzard insisted the first-minute dismissal of full-back Adam Flint had denied Bashley a share of the spoils at St Albans City on Monday.

Dual-registered Salisbury youngster Flint saw red after referee Lee Marshallsay felt he had deliberately handled David Keenleyside’s goal-bound shot after 30 seconds at Clarence Park.

John Frendo compounded matters by stepping up to score from the penalty spot in a nightmare start for rock-bottom Bash but the New Forest outfit refused to cave in.

Frendo completed his brace early in the second half to hand Saints a 2-0 victory but, despite the defeat, Gazzard was as pleased as punch with his rookie charges and argued they could have stolen a point had Flint stayed on the pitch.

Gazzard told the Daily Echo: “I could not have been more proud of the lads. Defensively, it was probably the most courageous display I have seen from a Bashley side for a long time and even their supporters applauded us at the end. It was a hearty, battling performance.

“Sometimes, it is difficult to comment from the halfway line but I have to say I was gobsmacked when he gave the penalty and struggled to appeal once he produced the red card because I was lost for words.

“I spoke to the referee at half-time and he felt Adam had lifted his arm towards the ball to deny a goalscoring opportunity. The way we saw it, it was a fierce shot from about five yards that hit him on the top of the arm near his shoulder.

“With the way we played after that, I definitely felt that decision had denied us a point because I honestly believe we would have come away with something.

“That said, all we were interested in was a reaction after losing seven goals at Cambridge City and, if we can show those same levels of desire, commitment and passion in the next few games, I honestly believe we can still get out of the relegation zone.”

Bash: George, Roberts, Flint, Strickland, Marden (Gazzard, 19), Morris, Blackmore, Colson (Brookes, 81), Joyce (Satterley, 81), Odam, Soetan. Unused sub: Ferguson.