BRAINTREE Town lost their final home game of the season, against York City, in controversial circumstances.
Striker Sean Marks was yellow-carded for simulation when it appeared he was caught in the box by opposing keeper Paul Musselwhite.
His dismissal for a second bookable offence compounded a frustrating afternoon for Braintree as they were unable to reply when Erik Tonne struck in the second half to take the game for York.
The goal saw York seal their place in the Blue Square Bet Premier play-offs.
York manager Gary Mills said, “I thought from the very first whistle today we were at it.
“I’m delighted, we’re in the play-offs, it’s another magnificent effort by the players, absolutely superb.”
The game was decided on 74 minutes when Tonne put the Minstermen in front. He fired a shot past Iron keeper Nathan McDonald from the edge of the area into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Braintree have appealed to the Football Association over Marks’ dismissal.
Manager Alan Devonshire said “The keeper admitted that he caught Sean. We’re not trying to get the keeper in trouble, because it doesn’t matter now, but I know that Sean is not a diver.”
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