Harrow Borough manager David Howell hit out at the referee after his side were reduced to nine men in their 2-1 defeat at leaders Sutton United on Tuesday night.

The visitors found themselves 2-0 down inside the first ten minutes but Boro pulled one back before half time when Dewayne Clarke, who has returned for his third spell at the club, hit a stunning 35-yard strike.

But Boro were undone in the second half as debutant Clayton Dixon and captain Wayne Walters were both sent off for second bookings.

Howell said: “We played with nine men thanks to a display of poor refereeing. Some of the officiating we are getting of late is absolutely ridiculous. But I’m proud of my players because they left everything on the pitch and because of the way they showed commitment and character.

“I had to make it very clear to the players that even though we lost it was a victory in defeat for us after the way we performed. We have had five sending offs in eight matches but they have been stupid, ridiculous decisions.”

Clarke ended his short stay with Boreham Wood after only making two starts for them. Howell accepts he is difficult to manage but believes he can work with the troublesome forward.

The manager added: “He is a difficult player to handle so you have to understand him. He needs more man-management than the rest of the squad put together. But he has played two games since he’s come back and has done well so far.”

Boro travel to Redbridge in the FA Cup on Saturday.