CHRIS Hardy said Whitby Town gifted to Witton Albion their first victory of the season after Tom Owens’ late goal separated the sides on Saturday.

The Seasiders’ goalkeeper Jack Norton claimed he was fouled during a scramble that ended with the midfielder applying a decisive touch inside the penalty area.

“There was a melee involving lots of bodies and I couldn’t say for sure what happened,” said the Blues’ boss afterwards.

“Jack says he was studded on the thigh, and that meant he couldn’t keep hold of the ball and they’ve then tucked it away on the back of that.

“You’d hope that the officials nearby would get that decision right.”

An attempt by full-back Daniel McWilliams to steer Cesaire’s cross back to his custodian, which was intercepted by Rob Hopley, started a sequence that led to the goal.

The Witton captain then nudged the loose ball in Owens’ direction.

Hardy added: “We’ve been the architects of our own downfall.

“Danny knows he’s made a mistake and he held up his hands afterwards.

“He’s a young player who is improving all the time, but he’s not got away with how he handled that situation and unfortunately we’ve been punished.”

Hardy admitted that his side, who had won their opening two games against Buxton and then North Ferriby United, hadn’t done enough to extend that sequence.

He concluded: “Overall maybe Witton slightly deserved to win.

“They dominated both first and second balls, and were very aggressive.

“I’m gutted for my boys because they put in a real shift and it’s disappointing to have a point taken away in the way it was.”