A controversial penalty was the turning point as North Leigh went out at Southern League Premier Division leaders Poole Town following a 3-1 defeat.

With the score 1-1 early in the second half, the referee awarded a spot-kick for handball in front of goal by Jon Else, despite there being no appeals from Poole.

Three North Leigh players were booked for protesting, before Jack Maloney fired home the penalty.

Mark Jermyn’s left-foot 20-yard volley made it 3-1.

Further drama followed on 80 minutes when the Millers’ Zak Westlake brought down Marvin Brooks as he was set to score, and was sent off.

Kane Lewis, who was standing in for the unavailable keeper Matt Bulman, made a great save from Maloney’s penalty.

North Leigh had fallen behind in the first half to a Luke Roberts strike, before Kieran Sanders equalised following good work from defender Michael Hopkins.

North Leigh: Lewis, Hole, Hopkins, Turk (Ingram 69), Westlake, Caton, Else (A Woodley 60), Osborne-Ricketts, Sanders, Cook (Seacole 74), Williams Sub not used: Eadle.

Attendance: 285.

Tonight, the Millers entertain Shortwood United in Division 1 South & West, which is followed by a home game against Clevedon Town on Saturday.