NO-ONE left Ravenscraig feeling short-changed on Saturday, after an incident-packed game that had it all.

With three red cards, a penalty, a manager sent from the dug-out, and a dramatic second half comeback that almost salvaged a point for Greenock, the Ravenscraig men can only hope that this defeat at the hands of the league’s bottom club won’t come back to haunt them come the end of the season.

The match started as frantically as it was to end, with Thorniewood’s Brian Johnstone missing a golden chance just four minutes in, and Allan Docherty having the ball in the net for Greenock but seeing his effort ruled out for offside.

But it was the visitors who took the lead after 10 minutes, when Ryan Craig was penalised for a high-footed challenge in the box and referee Craig King pointed to the spot.

Greenock keeper Mark Monk guessed correctly and got a hand to Gary Millar’s spot-kick but, much to the goalie’s frustration, the ball still ended up in the net.

Just two minutes later, Craig almost made amends for giving away the penalty, with a blistering free-kick which was heading for the top corner until Thorniewood keeper Matthew Creagan leapt to tip the ball over the bar.

Docherty then had the ball in the net again, but once more the offside flag was up.

The first red card came eight minutes before half-time, when Greenock’s Martin Orr was sent off for foul and abusive language towards referee King.

And the first half ended in further calamity for Greenock, as an Alan Fleming shot doubled the visitors’ lead, then a header from Brendan Smith was smothered by Monk but assistant referee Robert Slesser adjudged the ball to have crossed the line.

Three goals behind and a man down, there looked no way back for Greenock.

But Docherty threw them an early second-half lifeline with a header from a Craig cross, and this time the striker’s effort stood.

And it was very much game on when Docherty netted again on 61 minutes with a fine low shot from just inside the box.

Greenock had all the momentum now and looked sure to get the leveller against a panicking Thorniewood defence.

But their impetus was halted with another ordering-off.

Substitute Kevin McKay, who had only just come on for Barri Stanton at half-time, picked up two bookings within the space of 60 seconds. The first was merited for a late tackle, and although the second yellow card soon afterwards was definitely harsh, it was rash of the player to put himself in that situation.

Unbelievably, though, nine-man Greenock continued to press forward, and Mark Downie had a great chance to make it 3-3, but fired his shot high and wide.

With huge gaps at the back as the Ravenscraig men chased the game, Thorniewood had several chances to put the match to bed, but centre-forward Millar was thwarted by a great save by Monk when clean through on goal.

The frustration got too much for Greenock manager Martin Campbell, who was ordered from the dug-out for comments to assistant referee Slesser. And as the game entered stoppage time, referee King’s red card was out again, this time for a second booking for Thorniewood’s Fleming. And to complete a tense encounter, there were some angry exchanges as the players left the field, before they were ushered into the sanctuary of the dressing-rooms.

In the cold light of day, Greenock boss Campbell tried hard not to criticise referee King, before his anger eventually spilled over.

He said: “The referee was an absolute disgrace, and having had him before, I had warned the players about him beforehand.

“Thorniewood were getting away with everything, but any time a Greenock player made a tackle it seemed to be a booking.

“The assistant on our dug-out side wasn’t much better, and was very petty in his dealings with us.

“But having said that, we did hit the self-destruct button at times and made things hard for ourselves. But I have to pay tribute to the nine guys left on the park, who battled back from 3-0 down and in the end were very unlucky not to have got a draw.” GREENOCK: Monk, Orr, Doherty, Jamieson, McGarrigle, Downie, Stanton (McKay 45), Craig (McGowan 67), A. Docherty, Brown, Gillan. Subs not used: T. Docherty, McWilliams.

Greenock Juniors are sponsored by SAVEHEAT, and the Lighthouse Bar.