Johnstone Burgh boss Jamie McKim described a late Arthurlie tackle as an “absolute disgrace” as his side came within minutes of dishing out their in-form rivals a first league defeat.
A hard-fought Renfrewshire derby at Keanie Park looked to be heading in Burgh’s favour after Danny McBeth’s clinical second half header put the hosts in front.
With ten minutes left on the clock Brian Connor suffered a heavy challenge, with the offending Arthurlie player receiving a yellow card.
With Connor struggling on to full-time, ‘Lie substitute Kris Amponsah got on the end of a pinpoint Dave Mackay cross to level with just four minutes remaining.
McKim insisted the decision not to reduce Arthurlie to ten men played a huge part in the Barrhead side rescuing a point and keeping their incredible unbeaten streak intact.
McKim told Express Sport: “We were so confident going into the game and now we’re trying to work out how we didn’t beat them.
“We had more than enough chances to win the game, but it swung on a terrible refereeing decision with ten minutes to go.
“The tackle on Brian Connor was an absolute disgrace. It was a very heavy tackle, a real bad one and he could hardly move after it.
“We’d used all our subs so we ended up virtually a man down, while their man only got a yellow card and was able to play on.
“It was as straightforward a red card as you’ll ever see and it totally swung the game.
“Unfortunately that referee’s decision cost us because they went on to equalise.”
With Arthurlie’s main title rivals Shotts suffering a rare slip-up against Maybole, the Barrhead side now have one hand on the Conference A title and promotion to the Premier Division.
Burgh are still hopeful they can seal promotion to the second tier, with just two games left now as they look to hang on to fourth spot in the table.
McKim said: “We’ve got two games left and if we win both I’m confident that will be enough to go up.
“That point against Arthurlie could be crucial, but it’s disappointing because it should have been three.
“We’ve got Shotts and Muirkirk left to play and when you bring the league leaders to your home park and dominate them for as long as we did, you’re confident going into any game.
“They’ll be tough games, but we showed on Saturday we can compete with anyone.”
