CHORLEY boss Garry Flitcroft has hit out at referee Peter Gibbons after his decision to award Hyde a late spot kick at Ewen Fields cost the Magpies two points.

A furious Flitcroft went to see the referee after the final whistle to complain about the decision, which also saw Chris Doyle get sent off.

With Chorley leading 3-2 in the final minute Gibbons awarded the struggling hosts a penalty, and dismissed Doyle, despite the challenge being well outside the box.

Connor Hughes converted for Hyde after the Magpies had twice come from behind at the Conference North’s bottom placed side.

“I saw the referee and asked him and he just said he would look at the video, but it’s no good to us now,” said Flitcroft.

“The whole stadium has seen it was outside (the box) and I think Chris won the ball as well.

“The referee has had a massive say in it, but we can’t change decisions and maybe it’s a good point come the end of the season.”

The drama didn’t end there in Greater Manchester with Chorley captain Dale Whitham sent off in injury time for a second yellow card.

The Magpies hero was Darren Stephenson, who scored a superb hat-trick as Chorley came from 1-0 and 2-1 down to take the lead.

“Darren Stephenson was outstanding,” said Flitcroft. “His finishing for that last goal deserved to win the game.

“He was electric, just how you want to see him.”

Flitcroft was pleased with his side’s performance despite not coming away with all three points.

“I thought we played well first half,” he said. “We had chances and we were camped in their half. A couple of times they tried to hit us on the counter, but I said to the lads at half-time keep doing what you’re doing.

“We did, got back into the game, went 3-2 up and obviously then the sending off has killed it.”

Mark Ross was taken off as a precaution but he should be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup third qualifying round local derby with Bamber Bridge.

A bumper crowd of 2,500 is expected at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium as the rivals look to move within one win of a place in the first round proper.

Flitcroft watched Bamber Bridge against Lancaster City last night and is looking forward to Saturday’s clash.

“We go in positive,” he said. “I’ve told the lads we’re on a great run of form, it’s a strong, good side we’ve got here, we’re organised, we play with a tempo, and we look forward to Saturday.

“It’s a great game, an FA Cup tie, and Bamber Bridge are a good side, but if we’re at our best we expect to go there and get a good result.”