Fraser Alexander sent off as Bishop’s Stortford lose 4-1 at home to Warrington Town in National League North

Bishop’s Stortford had a man sent off and missed a penalty as they lost 4-1 at home to Warrington Town in Vanarama National League North on Saturday (October 21).

Tosin Olufemi saw his spot kick, which would have made it 1-1, saved by Daniel Atherton at the end of the first half before Fraser Alexander was dismissed for picking a second yellow card seven minutes into the second period.

The Blues were aggrieved as they thought Darren Foxley, who had not been booked, should have received Alexander’s second caution instead in a case of mistaken identity.

And salt was rubbed into their wounds as they went on to concede three times in seven minutes before Olufemi did convert a penalty for a late consolation.

Steve Smith’s men have now suffered four straight league defeats and are winless in six matches in all competitions. They have conceded 21 goals in 13 league games - last season they let in just 33 in 42 outings on their way to winning the Pitching In Isthmian League, Premier Division title.

Stortford have dropped a place to 23rd ahead of tomorrow night’s (Tuesday October 24) trip to King’s Lynn Town, who are one place above them.

Stortford manager Smith handed a debut to new signing Michel Parker while Foxley and Olufemi returned to the starting XI. Kyran Clements missed out and Rob Howard dropped to the bench.

With strikers Andre Godfrinne and Tobias Braney suspended having been dismissed in the defeat at Blyth Spartans last time out, Zain Walker deputised up front.

Debutant Parker was relieved not to score an early own goal when his backwards header from a long throw narrowly missed the far post.

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts missed a couple of chances for the visitors before Connor Woods cut in off the wing and found the bottom corner with a curling left-footed effort to give them a 19th-minute lead.

Ollie Peters saw a shot get deflected over for a corner as the Blues searched for an equaliser while Foxley fired over having cut in from the right.

Alexander had an effort from 10 yards out and was fouled by Atherton as he watched it hit the upright, but Olufemi’s penalty was repelled by the goalkeeper.

The Blues went down to 10 men early in the second half when Alexander picked up his second booking in controversial circumstances.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the hosts could have levelled matters as Gio McGregor’s cross was pushed away by Atherton with his fingertips before Aaron Greene hit the side-netting.

But the away side wrapped up the points with three goals in the space of seven minutes, starting with Woods’ second of the game after Peters’ pass had been intercepted.

Woods then unselfishly teed up captain Joshua Amis for a tap-in after he had run onto Buckley-Ricketts’ pass.

And Buckley-Ricketts got his side’s fourth goal of the afternoon from the left-hand side of the box having raced onto a through ball.

The Blues pulled one back three minutes from time when Olufemi was successful from the spot after they were awarded their second penalty of the contest for a foul on McGregor.

Blues: Giddens, Sodje, Beadle, McGregor, Foxley (Haines 70), Olufemi (booked 60), Parker, Walker (Thomas 80), Greene (Howard 75), Peters, Alexander (booked 43, 53; sent off 53). Not used: Messaoudin, Cracknell.

Warrington Town: Atherton, Walker, Woods (Bennett 78, booked 84), Williams (Hannigan 84), Amis (Buckley 70), Dixon, Buckley-Ricketts, Duggan, Wisdom, Grivosti, Clarke. Not used: Goudie, Gill.

Attendance: 438.