PAUL Roast's controversial sending-off left Wimborne boss Paul Arnold questioning the standard of refereeing in the Wessex League as his side crashed to their first defeat of the season. Result: Wimborne 1 Andover 4

A mouth-watering tussle between two sides expected to challenge strongly for the title this term was effectively ruined by the decision to give Roast his marching orders for an alleged professional foul.

Although Magpies went into the break on terms, Andover's extra muscle eventually told on tired Wimborne legs as they ran out comfortable victors to extend their 100 per cent start. All of which left a disappointed Arnold upset with the decision making and knowledge of the officials.

"It was a classic case of referees knowing the rules but not knowing the game," he lamented. "He didn't know what a good tackle or a bad tackle was.

"With the sending-off, the guy who collided with Paul was going away from goal anyway.

"And the referee was two yards from the incident, waved play on, then saw the linesman flagging and consulted him before producing the red card.

"There was nothing in it and obviously I'm disappointed as it changed the game in dramatic style at that point.

"The local leagues are losing referees and I'm not surprised. The Wessex League has got quicker and the standard of officials has not improved with it.

"But no excuses, Andover finished well and we're big enough to take it on the chin."

After the loss of Roast, Magpies' defence was thrown into further chaos when Nicky Plank collided with the perimeter wall and had to be replaced.

Danny Sullivan had given the Lions an early lead but Gareth Barnes equalised with a fine finish for his sixth goal of the campaign.

Barnes came agonisingly close to giving the home side the lead early in the second half, just failing to connect with a flying header from a Stuart Cooper cross.

And as Andover's dominance began to increase, two goals from Vince Rusher and a magnificent curling 35-yard effort from Phil Andrews ensured the Cuthbury men were well and truly roasted.

Wimborne will be looking to exorcise the ghosts of the defeat when they travel to Portland today (3pm kick-off).

Wimborne: Kearn, Plank (White 35), Roast, Briscoe, Phillipson-Masters (Walker 80), Arnold, Atkins, Oldbury, Dipper (Doyle 80), Cooper, Barnes.