FIVE players were sent off in a fiery encounter between Bartestree and Lads Club in West Midlands (Regional) League Division 1.

Gareth Bowley grabbed the only goal of the game for Lads Club that leaves them just two points off second-placed St Martins.

“The first red card was a second yellow for dissent, the second was a straight red for a bad tackle, the third and fourth straight reds as a result of the melee after the bad tackle and the fifth for a second yellow for a tackle,” said Bartestree chairman David Matthews.

“I don’t think that the players can be too proud of their behaviour, but the referee should have made his mark earlier, and didn’t.

“After the game in the clubhouse, all of the players and officials were the best of friends.”

Bowley grabbed the winner in the second half when he diverted the ball past Bartestree goalkeeper Jon Hopkins.

“It was a hard-fought victory, but both teams need to look at their discipline,” said Lads Club manager Danny Moon.

Bartestree counterpart Chris Hayes felt the red cards did not reflect the game.

“It was high-paced and passionate, but unfortunately the referee made too many wrong decisions for both sides,” said Hayes, who saw Dale Lewis, Tom Davies and Marc Avery sent off for his side.

Bromyard Town are eight points clear at the time after narrowly beating Bustleholme 5-4.

Kington Town meanwhile are now top of Division 2 following an excellent 2-0 win at FC Stafford.

Played on a 3G pitch, Kington opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Dale Hodge from a Brian Dyer corner.

Dyer was replaced at half-time, with substitute Keanu Barnett slotting into midfield alongside Hodge.

Stafford ended up playing with three strikers to try and get back into the game, with Kington goalkeeper Zeke Vivian being called into action on a number of occasions.

Barnett then had a goal ruled out for offside as they tried in search of a second goal.

Their patience was rewarded late on when Aaron Hodge slotted the ball home after getting on the end of Vivian’s long clearance.