Comrades boss Vipond left to rue costly goal-line decision

One of the key talking points was an effort from Josh Chamberlain that was adjudged not to have crossed the line, and Vipond reflected on the decision.

“If it had been given, it could’ve finished 1-1 and we take a point home with us,” said Vipond.

The Comrades have recorded two defeats on the spin and Vipond admitted that these small margins can have bigger implications.

“With it being so tight at the top of the table, that point could’ve made all the difference come the end of the season.

“I think our play in the game certainly deserved a point but as we know from the Sun game, a free-kick that we work on in training could be the difference on the pitch.”

Although the Comrades were defeated, there were plenty of positives to take from the game, including the performances of Louis Bircham and Alex Foster who made first-team debuts.

“It was a stiff test for our young lads, but we went about our business the right way compared to the last game where we didn’t really compete,” said Vipond.

“We hit the bar, hit the post twice and had one off the line.

“We had more pressure on them but we just couldn’t score.”

After losing to bottom-side Ampthill Town 3-1 in November, the new occupants of that position, Holmer Green are up next for Vipond’s side, and he expects another big test for his players.

“I’m hoping that the Ampthill game is a big reminder to the players that the teams at the bottom have something to fight for and they don’t want to be relegated.

“It’s a massive step down for teams battling relegation, they will be fighting tooth and nail to stay up, and so I don’t look at Holmer Green as an easy game at all.”