Lichfield City FC lost out to league leaders Brocton for the second time in four days as two controversial penalty decisions went against the luckless visitors.
On the back of their dramatic FA Vase extra time victory on Saturday, Brocton took the lead against the run of play when a cheap free-kick saw Liam Hancock arrive unmarked at the back post to tap home.
City should have equalised instantly, but Jonathan Huckfield’s close range effort somehow hit the post.
Kyle Minto forced two fine saves from keeper Adam Whitehouse as Lichfield ended the half on top.
Paul Holt’s side got their reward 20 minutes into the second half when a deflected Liam Holt effort wrong-footed the Brocton keeper.
But the game took a twist as the home side were awarded two penalties in the space of five minutes. Craig Johnson superbly kept out a Gary Fife spot kick when Todd Perry’s foul on Paul McMahon appeared to be outside the area, while Ashley Bennett’s was unfortunate to be penalised – and David Applewhite made no mistake with the second effort from 12 yards.
Lichfield showed their fighting qualities as they battled to find a route back into the game.
Minto twice had chances to equalise but City were unable to find the leveller their performance deserved.
