PHIL Parkinson was left ruing more controversial refereeing decisions after Altrincham conceded two penalties and had a man sent off in a 5-2 defeat at Workington on Tuesday that ended their run of four straight league wins.

Alty were trailing 2-1 shortly before half time when winger Max Harrop, who earlier equalised with a stunning solo effort, was shown a straight red card for a high challenge.

Despite being up against it, in conditions made treacherous by torrential rain throughout, Alty stormed back to level matters for a second time before paying for a defensive lapse soon after and being further punished by two late goals.

"Max was sent off because the referee was pressured by their players, and I found that extremely frustrating," said Alty boss Parkinson.

"He has left the ground and made contact, but everyone could see he was trying to turn with the ball, something he had been doing all game.

"He slipped as well, but there was no allowance for the conditions.

"The ref is saying it was dangerous play, yet when I spoke to the official at our previous game, he said that's only a yellow.

"I take nothing away from Workington. They were very good, and their frontline were lethal, but that decision changed the game massively.

"It swung it Workington's way and just summed up what we've had to put up with this season.

"People can say sour grapes, but I've been making the same complaints after games we've won.

"Max is devastated and nearly in tears, because he's busting a gut to do well for this club and has shown in glimpses what he can do.

"He finished well at Barwell and has now scored a goal that was ridiculous, it was so good.

"He's got absolutely magical feet, and it makes it all the more frustrating the ref couldn't show a bit of common sense."

Alty hit the FA Cup trail with a trip to Shildon, in County Durham, on Saturday, with Parkinson hoping James Poole may be ready for a return to the starting line-up.