Barnston crashed out of the League Cup after extra time heartache against Holland FC.

The High Easter Road side were 1-0 down at half-time and then had to play the best part of an hour with 10 men following the harsh sending off of Graham Riegate.

But they put in a battling performance from Barnston which boss Luke Nash is hoping will stand the team in good stead for the rest of the campaign.

Nash said: “I was proud of the way we battled. We showed we can match anyone, even with 10 men.

“When we got ourselves back into the game I really thought that we could snatch it. We have a tough run of games and need to continue to play with the spirit and determination seen on Saturday.

Holland, with the wind and slope in their favour, had the majority of the play in the first half but had to wait until the stroke of half time to take the lead.

The second half was a complete contrast with Barnston enjoying territory and possession, but the key decision, with 55 minutes on the clock, went against the hosts. Riegate let the ball run across his body and the lively Holland striker stole the ball forcing Riegate to stretch and clip his heels. The referee gave a free-kick and sent Riegate off, much to Nash’s dismay.

“I thought the sending off was harsh,” said Nash. “A foul, yes, but last man, I don’t believe so. The referee left straight after the game so it was not up for discussion.”

Barnston though, upped their game and they forced an equaliser when Charlie Harris found Ben Barnsley who finished neatly into the bottom left corner.

Nash went for the win, putting on Aaron Gava and Gordon Wilson with 15 minutes to go.

But extra time was tough for Barnston. Playing with a man down and with a lot of players out of position, Holland took advantage of the slope and rattled in two goals.

Barnston are away at high-flying Gas Recreation in a league fixture on Saturday.