NINE-MAN Amesbury Town's Adam Pearson was left red-faced after his shove on the referee led to the feisty derby with Downton being abandoned.

The central defender was penalised for violent conduct with a second yellow card and reacted angrily — shoving referee Steven Topazio in the chest.

Topazio called off the Wick Lane contest with 66 minutes on the clock.

The Robins had been leading the Sydenhams Wessex Division One contest six minutes prior to the incident thanks to a wonder strike from Tom Aldridge which flew past Paddy Creese.

Earlier in the second half, the visitors' Jamie Waters was given his marching orders for a flurry of rash challenges.

Blues boss Gareth Horner expects the defender, who signed in the summer, to be banned for up to six months and receive a "huge fine".

"It's disappointing and hard to take but we can't condone that sort of behaviour," he said.

"He [Adam] apologised to everyone afterwards and is gutted."

"We weren't looked after too well and Adam took an elbow to the face in the first five minutes and blood was pouring down his face.

"We were on top for an hour and the game never seemed in doubt.

"Adam got booked in the first half for a nothing challenge and has taken it all afternoon and then reacted."

"He will probably be out for six months and get a huge fine of £150 tops."

Horner said he asked referee Topazio why the match was abandoned and he responded that he wasn't in the right frame of mind to carry on.

Horner's counterpart Colin Hopkins, from the home dugout, said: "Saturday's performance has been coming for a few weeks, we were excellent and did what has been missing recently which was score! It's so disappointing the game was abandoned as I have no doubt we would have gone on to win and the lads have proved they can beat the top teams in our league."

JournalSport understands a decision on whether Downton will be awarded the three points or the clash will be replayed will be made by Wiltshire FA within 28 days.

They say the incident is under investigation.