Sleaford Town lose 2-0 to St. Neots
Travelling to former Manchester City star Steve Lomas' high-flyers without injured striker Miles Hunter meant it was going to be a tough test for Town.
His strike partner Ryan Oliver also missed the game through suspension, to make the task even more difficult.
Midfielder Josh Giles was dismissed on the half-hour just after the hosts had scored twice in two-minutes.
With an hour of the game remaining, the 10 men of Sleaford dug in and denied St Neots the expected goal flurry, thanks in no small part to the superb display from long-serving goalkeeper Andrew Scott.
Dan Reidy worked hard as the lone striker with manager Brian Rowland opting for a five-man midfield.
This really was a gallant effort by a depleted Town side against their second-placed hosts, who moved to the top of the table with the three points.
With the brand-new Sleaford Town committee having been left with little in the way of funds in the coffers at the start of the season, the club was once again reminded of the money that is so crucial at this level of the game, as their hosts included several past professionals. Among these were former Northern Ireland midfielder Lomas, now the St Neots player-manager, and ex-Peterborough United goalkeeper Luke McShane.
Nevertheless, Town manager Rowland was at least pleased with the effort of his side in such difficult circumstances.
"It is bad enough to have to manage without Miles Hunter, but to have Ryan Oliver missing as well, meant that it was always going to be a tough test," said Rowland.
"Then to lose Josh Giles early on was just about the last straw. In the end it was a pretty good effort."
The game brought further problems for the Town boss, with a fifth yellow card for centre-back Kris Jones meaning a one-match ban, while the red card for Giles should see him receiving a three-match suspension.
It is also understood that big Dan Reidy has played his last game before Christmas due to work commitments, unless he is available for midweek fixtures.
The side had another Tuesday evening game this week, a Senior Trophy cup tie against Louth Town.
On Saturday, Town travel to lowly Wellingborough in the UCL Premier Division.
The reserve side had another fine win, taking the points with a 4-0 scoreline at home to lowly Louth United.
The goals came from Simon Bailey (2), Tom Sargeant and Scott Wilson.
This Saturday there is an interesting fixture away to Skegness Town for a second round Challenge cup tie, kick-off 1.30 pm.
The side remains second in the Lincoln League table, still one point adrift of leaders Ruston Sports and chased by Harvest and Hykeham.
Ryan Oliver was suspended
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