LANCASTER manager Tony Hesketh told of how he warned the referee to watch one Whitby player before this one nil defeat.

And, of course, it was that player - Steve West who was involved in an incident with keeper Mark Thornley earlier in the season - who went on to score the only goal of the game.

Even more disappointing was the number of injuries Lancaster picked up in the match.

Dangerous tackles from one Whitby player left several City players injured and took Lancaster down to 10 men and out of the game.

Manager Tony Hesketh said: "I asked the referee to protect my players before the match. He added: "Now it seems that a new directive to be more lenient means that referees are not booking players for dangerous tackles such as what my players have received today."

And to rub salt into the wound, that same player scored Whitby's winning goal.

Right-back Steve West sent Mark Thornley to hospital with concussion on their last encounter, so it was no surprise when West was up to his old tricks again.

He took Kevin Barnes and Paul Crompton out of the game and left Kenny Mayers with a deep gash to the head.

The game also saw former Newcastle United striker David Eatock make his debut. He made some useful touches and looks capable of great things, as his career record shows.

Secretary Mike Sparks filed an official report to the Unibond League after the match, protesting about the referee's lenience.

Team: Thornley, Sparrow, Graham, Kilbane, Horner (c), Mayers, Martin, Jessop (Crompton 65), Ward (Haddow 65), Barnes (Eatock 10), Trainor.

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