Didcot Town suffered their first defeat of 2016 when promotion-chasing Winchester City scored a late goal to snatch a 2-1 away win on Saturday.

The Railwaymen felt they deserved at least a point from a stormy Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West contest, which was marred by what was felt to be poor refereeing.

The game’s flashpoint came just before half-time.

Following some questionable decisions, emotions boiled over as Didcot keeper Leigh Bedwell, kicked by Winchester player Rob Flooks, retaliated by kicking back and throwing the ball at an opposing player This sparked a flare-up between the sides, after which Bedwell and Flooks were sent off.

With Didcot not selecting a substitute goalkeeper on the bench, Mark Janes took over the gloves.

Early in the second half, the visitors went ahead with the league’s top-scorer Warren Bentley firinghome from 25 yards.

Despite having a makeshift keeper, the hosts were able to keep Winchester quiet and looked to push on for an equaliser.

They were rewarded in the 73rd minute following a questionable free-kick awarded on the edge of the box.

Substitute Matty Woodley marked his return to the team by curling his superb effort past keeper Brendan Norris.

The visitors pressed forward, and following a corner which Didcot failed to clear, the ball was played back into the crowded penalty area for Matt Benham to tap home.

Due to the refereeing decisions, which caused the game to be a start-stop affair, there was eight minutes of added time.

During this spell, Didcot’s George Reid was denied by the inspired Norris.

Didcot Tn: Bedwell, Collins, Martin (Woodley 66), Ballard, Carnell, Learoyd, Reid, Self, Janes, Longford (Edney HT), Dutton-Black. Subs not used: Organ, Woodhouse, Chalk.

Attendance: 127.