Neilston co-boss Chris Cameron admits an unwanted red card at a pivotal moment could end up costing the club the league title.
But he insists the Farmer’s Boys won’t give up hope just yet of pipping Petershill and Drumchapel to top spot in the WoSFL Conference C.
The Renfrewshire club were dominating title rivals Petershill on Saturday afternoon before centre back Euan Clark was sent for an early bath at the start of the second half.
Neilston continued to press for a win but ended up getting a sucker-punch when Paul Callander volleyed home from close range with just 10 minutes left on the clock.
The Farmer’s Boys still have four games left to play, including a final-day clash with Drumchapel, and Cameron is adamant the club won’t stop pushing for the title until it’s mathematically impossible to seal it.
He told Express Sport: “It was a really sore one on Saturday. The lads are gutted.
“It was a huge game in terms of winning the league and Petershill are firmly in the driving seat now.
“We had the best chances in the first half and their keeper made a tremendous double save to keep the scores level.
“At half-time we just asked for more of the same, and from what we could hear their manager was less than pleased with how they were playing.
“Our big centre back Euan Clark didn’t see their striker coming, caught him and picked up a second yellow.
“He was absolutely gutted but he’s been brilliant for us all season. It’s unfortunate but that’s football.
“The frustration for me is that if we didn’t go down to ten I think we would have gone on to win it.
“We went with three at the back because we knew a point wasn’t going to be enough in the long run. Normally we would have played for a point but we went all out.
“We’ve got four games to go and we need to win all four. Until it’s impossible we will keep going and if we can post a good total we can hopefully put the pressure on Petershill and Drumchapel.”
In Conference A Arthurlie stayed top of the table thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Irvine Vics at Dunterlie Park.
Gary Smith opened the scoring from the penalty spot, with Jordan Leydon making sure of all three points.
The Barrhead club are now sitting pretty in first position, four points clear of nearest rivals Shotts Bon Accord and with a game in hand.
Johnstone Burgh suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Ashfield in a friendly clash at Ferguslie Sports Centre.
Brian Connor and Phil Lee grabbed the goals for the Renfrewshire club.
