BEMERTON Heath Harlequins tackled their cup tie head first after seeing off Moneyfields for the second time in a month, in a game in which both teams left the field with ten men.

Tom Roberts slid home the opener with a spot kick and the visitors, already a goal down, lost a man for violent behaviour towards Scott Joyce.

The numerical disadvantage didn’t disenchant the visitors, who found themselves on level terms through livewire Alfie Rutherford.

At 1-1, Bemerton then lost a man themselves, as key striker Joyce was issued a straight red-card for raising an elbow on an opposing player.

Both teams rallied for the match winner and it was reliable skipper Jack Slade who popped up with the goods to book Bemerton a third round tie at Andover.

Ian Chalk again praised his charges: “I used the game to once again try a few things and unlike the Wroughton game it seems to have worked.

“We enjoy good games against Moneyfields and both sides like to attack, fortunately Saturday was our day and we will look forward to the next round.

“The only disappointing thing was Scott's dismissal.

I feel the referee was looking to level things up but he had to ask his assistant what he thought, and from 40 yards he has decided Scott has intentionally used his elbow.

“That’s football sometimes but in most people’s opinions it was a poor decision.”

Bemerton host Cowes Sports in the first round of the FA Vase on Saturday.

We have pictures of that game in next week’s Journal.