VAUXHALL'S first home match of the new season ended in defeat last night, after a double dismissal marred an entertaining encounter, writes Paul Hassall.

The Motormen were trailing to a 17th minute goal from Steve Ridley when, just prior to the half-time interval, striker Leighton McGivern and Barrow centre back Jonathan Smith were controversially sent off for an off-the-ball incident.

Despite an impressive second half display, Vauxhall were unable to find an equal-iser, leaving manager Owen Brown to lament his side's misfortune.

He said: 'We can take great heart from this performance. We didn't do ourselves justice in the first half but in the second period we pressed the ball well and played some good stuff. If we put in performances like that for the rest of the season I'll be happy.

'I didn't see the incident for the sendings-off but I've spoken to Leighton and he said their centre back head-butted him.

'He'll have to serve a three-match ban, which is a blow, but we play Saturday now and we take it from there.

'The fitness levels of the lads are very good, we competed well and we created chances. Their keeper made some good saves and we were just un-lucky.

'On another day we'd have scored four or five, but if we play as well as that at the weekend then we will beat Redditch.'

The Motormen started brightly but fell behind when Anthony and Tarrant combined well to find Ridley on the left, who fired a fierce drive past Dittmer at his near post.

Barrow dominated the remainder of the first period and Dittmer was forced into action on a number of occasions, making great saves from both Tarrant and Knight.

The second half brought with it a revitalised Vauxhall and Addo nearly provided an immediate response, but he shot wide at the near post from a tight angle.

With Barrow penned in their own half, the Motormen surged forward, but a combination of poor finishing and last-ditch defending kept them at bay.

Lawton, Brazier, Addo and McNulty were all guilty of spurning glorious opportunities to level the match as Vaux-hall continued to press.

With time running out Bishop produced a match-winning save, diving at full stretch to turn McDermott's injury time thunderbolt past the post and maintain Barrow's 100% start to the season. nThe Motormen's next match is against Redditch United at Rivacre Park on Saturday, August 20 (3pm). IN HIS HONOUR: Murder victim Anthony Walker. EP Pioneer Aug 17 05 50p