Reds boss bemoans Simpson dismissal

Ballyclare Comrades manager, Eddie Hill, wasn’t happy that several of his players picked up cards in Saturday’s Intermediate Cup 7-0 win over Bryansburn Rangers at Dixon Park.

“A player from each side had, in my opinion, been rather harshly sent off for separate incidents in the first half, and then Bryansburn ended with only nine men when one of their defenders picked up a second yellow near the end,” he said.

Andrew Simpson got a harsh straight red that will rule him out for three games. We have important matches coming up after the holiday period and we will be deprived of his services in circumstances that could have been avoided.”

He added: “I substituted Gary Brown and Andrew Doyle with each on a yellow card, but I still can’t figure out why Simon McGowan was booked at all.

Andrew Simpson scored twice inside the opening eight minutes before seeing red on 16 minutes.Andrew Simpson scored twice inside the opening eight minutes before seeing red on 16 minutes.
Andrew Simpson scored twice inside the opening eight minutes before seeing red on 16 minutes.

“However, we coasted to our biggest win of the season with a clean sheet, so, all in all, it was a job well done.

“I was well pleased with the performance of the Reserves’ skipper, CJ McIlwaine, who had his first senior outing when he came on for Doyle. Playing alongside a player with the experience of Denver Gage at the heart of the defence will have boosted his confidence.”

Hill added: “Conceding three early goals left Bryansburn with a mountain to climb, but full credit to them, heads didn’t go down and they battled all the way to the final whistle despite being out-played.”

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