DISAPPOINTED Craigmark boss Ian Patterson hit out at some "poor" refereeing decisions as his table-topping side went down 3-1 at home to first foots Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

But he conceded they did not deserve to win the game and will be looking for the players to bounce back quickly.

The game turned ugly late in the second half, with Stephen McKay and William Hall of Craigmark and Winton's Alan Muir were sent off following a melee which involved most of the players on the park. Then home player Joe Maxwell was sent off after the match for a second yellow card.

Patterson said: "A Winton player started the trouble when he ran 40 yards to push Ryan McKay. Stephen McKay's sending off was harsh as he was hit and put his hands up to protect himself. I can't argue with William Hall and the Winton player being sent off but it was unfortunate Joe Maxwell was sent off as he was head-butted by a Winton player but no action was taken. The refereeing was poor and the referee lost control of the game. We were given a penalty but I'll admit the challenge was outside the box."

However he added: "We didn't deserve to win as Winton were the better side."

Patterson is now looking for his side to re-group as they make the journey north to face Saltcoats Victoria.

The gaffer said: "I know their manager George Grierson well, he has brought in a lot of new players and they have picked up some good results recently. It will not be an easy game - any team is capable of winning in this league. But we must look to take the three points."