Again, the video assistant ref was central in the drama – getting it right by reviewing and awarding a goal to Luke Brattan on 37 minutes before raising eyebrows in the second half.

The VAR chose not to interfere when a stomp on Manny Muscat behind play in the 63rd minute but jumped in when Muscat elbowed the face of Michael Zullo seven minutes later.

The City man, who had just returned from suspension, was shown a straight red.

It was one  of a number of incidents that left Joyce scratching his head and fans venting on social media.

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“Frustrated wouldn’t actually come anywhere near my feelings on the situation of the events tonight,” Joyce said post-match.

“I thought we were positive. I thought we went straight in their faces, man for man, and won a lot of individual battles all over the pitch.

“I don’t think there were many individual battles where they were on top in the first half. And even the second half and even when we had 10 men as well we kept driving the game and looked like we were value for a goal.”

He added: “We started the game well, we had a game plan. I thought we were the best side and thoroughly deserved the lead. The lapse of concentration just before half time cost us.

There are different incidents you can talk about but it sounds like you’re making excuses.”

It was a tough night for City who also lost striker Ross McCormack to injury in the first half.  As for the major talking point to emerge from the night, Joyce said the red was harsh although he had yet to review the incident.

“I thought actually it was a free kick to us before it,” he said.

“I don’t think there was particularly contact (by Muscat) but he sent him off and we’ve got to accept that.”