9:46am Friday 2nd May 2008
By Nick Mashiter
Distraught Ross Adams says his sending off in last night's 2-1 play-off defeat at Halesowen is the worst feeling of his career.
The Chippenham Town defender was dismissed on 72 minutes after bringing down Eldon Maqumeba in the area, allowing Dean Brennan to equalise from the spot.
Dangerman Maquemba netted a spectacular winner seven minutes later and, after his first red card of his Bluebirds career, the 23-year-old feels beside himself.
"It goes through your mind that you've let the players down, the fans down and Adie down," he said.
"You just sit there and you know when they score, it makes it ten times worse. You've just been sent off and all your mates are out there and it is harder for them.
"It is the worst feeling ever and the worst way to end the season."
But he feels his sending off by referee R J Martin was harsh.
"No doubt it was a penalty although the referee was quick to get his red card out," he said.
"I thought he was going away from goal when I brought him down. I supposed if he applies the letter of the law it is a sending off but you could ask ten different referees and eight of them will say one thing and just two will say another."
Once Adams was dismissed Halesowen capitalised and Maquemba's stunning effort sealed the game with 11 minutes remaining and former Swindon Town trainee Adams says it will take him all summer to get over the loss.
""The problem is it carries on to next season and I'll be suspended at the start," he said.
"I will dwell on it all summer, especially if Halseowen get promoted. The sooner I get back playing again the better."
Adams' aberration came just five minutes after Sam Allison had given the Bluebirds the lead and, although they couldn't hold on for the win, the ex-Highworth Town man said boss Mings was pleased with their efforts.
He said: "He was proud of how we played. Up until the penalty they had some chances but we were quite comfortable, that is the most disappointing thing."
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk