Red Star boss Collingwood disappointed by FA Vase exit

Red Star made the trip to Northern Counties East League club North Ferriby looking to reach the fourth round of the competition for the first time since 1982.

And things were going to plan as Collingwood’s men took a two-goal advantage into half-time thanks to a penalty from Luke Sullivan and another Vase goal from striker Andrew Johnson.

However, the hosts rallied after the restart and got back on level-terms through a Levi Tarbotton goal and a penalty from Danny Buttle.

Both sides had chances to claim a win in 90 minutes, but it was the Villagers that held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out to set up a last-32 home tie against West Auckland Town.

After the game, Collingwood told The Echo: “We are disappointed and frustrated that the game wasn’t done in 45 minutes.

“For the first hour, we were well on top, and we are disappointed.

“They had a ten-minute rally and if we had seen that out, and we were on the cusp of seeing it out, we could have gone through.

“We were resilient, and we had the carpet whipped from under our feet when the linesman gave a penalty decision against us.

“It was a dubious decision; it was a fantastic challenge.

“But we have nobody to blame but ourselves, but it’s a cruel way to lose on penalties.”

Red Star now turn their focus back towards their battle against relegation in the Northern League’s top tier.

Collingwood’s men return to action on Saturday week with tough fixtures against promotion challengers Consett and Hebburn Town.

The Red Star boss is confident that his side will remain in the top tier despite only winning one of their 11 league games so far this season.

“I have never doubted that we will get out of the bottom two or three in the league.

“We have Penrith and Billingham Town to play twice and I am confident that we will turn it around.

“I don’t doubt this squad, we had bad luck with injuries at the start of the season but now I have 20 players fit and available.

“We now focus on the league and keeping within our remit, which is staying in Division One.”