BROMSGROVE Sporting came up just short as they lost 3-2 at Stamford after having a player and manager Paul Smith sent off.

Sporting were left with a mountain to climb in Southern League Premier Division Central last Saturday after goals from Lee Shaw, Connor Bartle and James Blunden put the hosts into a commanding lead.

Jamie Meddows netted from the penalty spot shortly after Stamford's third and Carter Lycett headed home from close range to reduce the gap further but the equaliser proved unattainable for the Rouslers.

Substitute Harry Crook was sent off late on followed by Smith and assistant coach Scott Adey-Linforth.

The deadlock was broken 17 minutes in as Shaw slotted home a well-taken effort.

Sporting almost levelled when Charlie Wragg got on the end of an undercooked header back to the keeper but his left-footed strike went narrowly wide.

A deflected Bartle strike 35 minutes in doubled Stamford's lead before Blunden's header from close range three minutes later made Bromsgrove's afternoon even worse.

However, the reply was fairly instant as Meddows coolly slotted home a penalty in the 40th minute after Aksum White was felled in the area.

That goal was almost cancelled out in added time but Sporting keeper Charlie Price was equal to a close-range strike from Tendai Chitiza.

In the 64th minute Meddows' cross was palmed by keeper Tom Jackson straight into the path of Lycett who had the simplest header into the net from mere yards out.

Both teams had chances as Shaw had a shot kept out by Price and subsequently cleared before Wragg found himself in a brilliant position but could only shoot straight at Jackson.

The 74th minute saw a deflected strike from White fly into Jackson's grasp while the 87th minute saw Crook sent off for an apparent stamping offence.

Then manager Smith and assistant coach Scott Adey-Linforth were both given their marching orders by the referee.

Meddows had an opportunity to level in injury-time but his strike went just wide.

Sporting, who lost 2-1 at home to Kettering Town last week with Ethan Patterson scoring, have a free weekend after visiting Harborough Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

The next game is at home to Bedford Town on Saturday, November 2 (3pm).

Forward Kieran Cook has left the club and loanee Dylan Thomas returned to Walsall.

Striker Jack Newall has joined on a work experience loan from Burton Albion.