AMESBURY Town ran the top two in Sydenhams Wessex League Division One close but were left with nothing to show for it as their relegation fears deepened.

On Saturday, they entertained Hayling United at the Recreation Ground, when the game sparked into life after a double dismissal on 71 minutes.

Craig Wheeler and Hayling captain Gary Oliver both saw red after a tussle, leaving both teams with ten men.

"All I saw was a lot of bodies being pulled away, and I don't know how the referee picked out two players who were at fault," said Blues boss Glen But-terfield.

"But somebody had to go and to be fair to him, he sent off one from each team."

Amesbury took the lead soon after through Robbie Guyton's dipping effort, but five minutes later Hayling levelled through Lee Bedden's exquisite 20-yard free kick into the top corner.

Another Bedden free kick was then headed in by Nathan Kirby, and Dan Hayes nodded in a corner for 3-1.

Butterfield added: "I can't fault the effort, but we were undone by our poor finishing and the quality of their set pieces."

The Blues had also lost to the leaders Alresford Town last Tuesday, when Dean Bowden's penalty came too late as they went down 2-1.

The fixtures don't get much easier for Amesbury, as they head to Locks Heath on Saturday before Monday's local derby at Laverstock & Ford (12pm kick off).

"We have played some top sides and come out of it with flying colours," said Butterfield.

"I'm only disappointed when we underperform against sides around us.

"If we keep on going, we'll get the points we need."