NINE-MAN Laverstock and Ford endured their third away defeat in a row in a full-blooded Sydenhams Division One clash at Romsey on Tuesday night, losing 4-1.

It looked to be heading for a stalemate first half until Alexis Aguer, in the visitors’ goal, sent a back pass to the feet of Josh Harvey who drilled the ball home on the stroke of half time.

Things went from bad to worse six minutes into the second half. Adam Jones was penalised for a block on the line with his arm, a red card followed and the spot kick was duly converted by Wayne Boud.

With 10 men, Laverstock regrouped, rallied and halved the deficit through Graham Mankin.

On 65 minutes, a thunderbolt from Harvey nestled into the top corner.

An altercation between James Clifton and Romsey’s left back saw both men receiving their marching orders.

And Laverstock’s hopes of a comeback were extinguished when a fourth was added by Craig Bryant.

Co-managers Liam McConnell and Robbie Lakeman said: “The result is a blow and the recent away results haven’t been anywhere near where it has been.”

“We have to pick ourselves up again and find the formula that has been working ahead of Saturday.”