BROMSGROVE Sporting fell short in their comeback attempt following a 3-2 defeat at Stamford as Rouslers boss Paul Smith and striker Harry Crook saw red.
Stamford raced into a three-goal lead before Jamie Meddows and Carter Lycett cut the deficit either side of half time at the Zeeco Stadium.
However, Sporting forward Crook received a red card three minutes from time for stamping on a Stamford player.
And Bromsgrove boss Smith, along with Rouslers coach Scott Adey-Linforth, also saw red minutes later.
The result means Sporting sit 20th in the Southern League Premier Central table, three points from safety.
Stamford broke the deadlock on 16 minutes when Lee Shaw with a well-placed shot past Charlie Price from Richard Gregory’s flick-on.
And the home side doubled their lead on 34 minutes as Connor Bartle’s powerful shot deflected beyond the reach of Price.
The hosts struck again three minutes later when James Blunden rose highest at the back post to head in Bartle’s cross.
However, Sporting responded five minutes before half time as Meddows converted from the penalty spot after Aksum White drew a foul in the box.
The Rouslers reduced the deficit further on 64 minutes when Lycett headed in his first Sporting goal from close range after Thomas Jackson could only parry Meddows’ cross into the scorer’s path.
Price then denied Shaw before Charlie Wragg shot straight at Jackson at the other end when well-placed.
Sporting striker Crook saw red on 87 minutes for a stamp while Rouslers boss Smith and coach Adey-Linforth also received red cards soon after.
Bromsgrove are next in action against Harborough Town on Tuesday, October 22 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Harborough Town Community Football Ground.
