PAT McManus was the first to admit Brockenhurst “didn’t play well” in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Verwood in the Sydenhams Premier Division.

But having watched his side pull themselves back on terms after slipping two down in the opening 15 minutes, the Badgers boss was furious to be denied the chance to win it in stoppage time.

“Daryll Phillips went clean through in the 94th minute and was wiped out in the area, but the ref didn’t give it,” he said.

“Everyone knew it was a penalty and Carl Poore (Verwood manager) put his hands on his head and said ‘oh no’, but the ref waved play on.

“When I asked him (the ref) to justify it afterwards, he said: “I gave you a penalty in the first half.’ “We didn’t play well, but we should have come away with all three points. If that had happened anywhere else on the pitch at any other point in the game, it would have been a free kick.”

Verwood’s experienced ex-Eastleigh and Weymouth striker Matt Groves gave the Potters an 11th-minute lead, which was doubled by Jordan Fisk four minutes later.

Brock were awarded a penalty for a 35th-minute foul on Will Tickle which Mark Barker duly converted.

And it was Barker who rescued the Badgers a point with five minutes to go, tapping home Phillips’ assist.

“I was impressed with Verwood up top. Matt Groves does well for them and the lad Billy Lowes, who’s dual-signed from Poole, is tricky and decent,” said McManus.

“We should have taken advantage of their frailties elsewhere, though, but we were a bit charitable in front of goal.”

Brock gave a second-half run-out to frontman Braiden Hamilton, who has returned to the Grigg Lane ranks from Southern One South & West outfit Sholing.

Verwood travel to Blackfield & Langley tonight, while fifth-placed Brock host Andover Town on Saturday.