Soham Town Rangers joint-boss says the sending off of midfielder Marcus Hall “killed the game” after his side’s five-match unbeaten run was ended by Haringey Borough last Saturday.

The Greens looked to be well on their way to notching a sixth match unbeaten after Ryan Sharman’s early strike, but the city side struck back with three goals to condemn Nightingale’s men to their first Ryman North defeat since October 15.

Hall was given his marching orders just three minutes after the break, and Nightingale says his dismissal was pivotal in their disappointing defeat.

“Up until the sending off we were in control,” he said. “We had three or four really good chances before half time and were unlucky to not get a penalty.

“It was our game to lose and I said to the boys that as long as we kept solid then the worst we’ll get is a point but the sending off killed the game completely.

“I’m never one to moan about referees but we just need consistency. The referee lacked consistency on Saturday.

“He’s booked Marcus for a handball, but gave us two or three free-kicks for the same thing without booking their players.

“He’s then shown him a second yellow for swearing. It was more in anger than at the referee, and you heard all sorts of swearing during football matches.”

Despite their setback last weekend, Soham still sit just nine points off of sixth spot, and Nightingale says his men still have a chance of grabbing an unlikely play-off spot.

“We want to continue to improve and we’ve done well over the last six games,” he said. “We’re third in the form table over the last few games and the gap between us and the play-offs isn’t that big so it’s still all to play for.”

Nightingale has also admitted that the club has had an approach for Thetford Town striker Robbie Priddle turned down.

Priddle attracted interest from the Julius Martin outfit after finding the net 11 times this season, but has decided to stay in Norfolk.

“We identified a few players who we thought might benefit us,” said Nightingale.

“We saw him play before and thought he could come and have a chat, but if he’s staying at Thetford then we won’t lose sleep over it.

“We’re more than covered defensively but we only have one recognised centre forward.

“Robbie’s scored three in 15 games so we need to give him a bit of a hand.”

Soham will look to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they entertain Great Wakering Rovers (3pm).