LYE Town were left considering whether their 2-2 draw with Wolves Casuals this week should have been played at all.

Joint boss Martin Thomas believes Casuals pitch was not playable and claimed: “For some reason, Casuals were really keen to play the game. After 15 minutes of play, the referee called both captains together to discuss the state of the pitch, but by that stage everyone just wanted to get on with it.

Lye took the lead through leading marksman Ricky Anslow after Ben Jevons had earlier hit the crossbar.

But the match turned on its head just before half time when Scott Gennard was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

Thomas jumped to the defence of his player and insisted: “The conditions dictated that tackle and I don’t think the referee allowed for the conditions.”

Lye were living on a knife-edge when their 19-year- old goalkeeper Jake James saved a 49th minute penalty from Aaron Melchett.

But Casuals soon levelled through former Wolves and Cheltenham Town player J J Melligan.

Despite being down to 10 men, Lye regained the lead through Kevin Nickle but Casuals claimed a share of the points when Craig Bannister scored direct from a free kick.

The teams must meet again this Saturday at Lye Town, who will be boosted by the return of Damian Whitcombe in defence following a two-match ban.

Lye were looking to keep sharp this week with a friendly at Evo Stik Northern Premier side Rushall Olympic.