A HIGHLY controversial goal, a sending off and a score apiece made this a fascinating Premier League clash between two teams with a lot in common.

Both clubs achieved promotion last season and both have been fighting hard to establish themselves as strong premier division sides. Presently Sedbury occupy a midtable position while Whitecroft are third from bottom and fighting hard to escape the relegation zone.

The end result of this competitive encounter was probably the correct one, said Sedbury's manager Bobby McEwan.

The controversy flared in the second-half when the referee ruled a Whitecroft shot at goal had crossed the line.

"Our players were incensed. There was a real fuss and it ended in Dave Bushell seeing red and being shown a red card," said McEwan.

After that it was a rearguard fight for the Sedbury team but they held on for a well deserved draw. Their first-half goal had been scored by winger Ashley Dash.

"It was a good result for both sides. Whitecroft were pleased with their point and in the end we were satisfied with ours. There's still some way to go in the league and we are still in the cup so there is plenty to play for," said McEwan.

He wants the team to establish itself as a premier division side this season and then to press for promotion next year. "We have a strong base with a good Second team and the opportunity to use lads from the Army. It gives us some strength in depth," he said.

Sedbury's top striker James Brooks, who has scored 16 times this season, missed the Whitecroft clash because of work commitments.

"He is also the top scorer in the league this season so he is a miss when he is not playing," said McEwan.

His hope is that with an influx of three or four players the squad would improve sufficiently to challenge for Senior League football. "At the moment we are playing at the highest level the club has ever achieved and once we are established here I can't see any reason why we should not force our way into the Senior League," he said.