Two goals from James Ewington sent London Colney through to the next round of the League Challenge Trophy – after a 2-1 win over Stotfold.

Both teams finished the game with 10 men after Spencer Clarke-Mardel followed Stotfold’s Charlie Joy for an early bath.

The Blueboys were dominant in the first half at Roker Park and were ahead after five minutes.

Recent signing Charlie Smith found Clarke-Mardel, who beat his marker and quickly played the ball into the box for Ewington to score past Adam Harpur in the Stotfold goal.

Nine minutes later it was two. Smith was again involved, sending Ewington clear, and he calmly drilled the ball low from sixteen yards.

Sam Doolan headed the just over and Harpur denied Ewington again as Colney searched for a third.

Harpur was by far the busiest keeper, tipping Matt Standen’s effort from just outside the box round the post.

The second half started in the same manner. Smith went very close to adding to the scoreline but his low drive whistled past the near post

A number of niggardly fouls broke up the rhythm of the game and eventually led to Joy seeing a straight red card after a challenge on Danny Fitzgerald.

Ten minutes later it was the Blueboys who saw red, Clarke-Mardel also receiving and instant dismissal.

Kumanie Scarlett fired home in the 89th minute to produce a nervy finish to the game but the Blueboys defence held out.

The first team’s next game is October 6, when they entertain Hertford in the Premier Division Cup.

On Saturday the reserves take centre-stage, facing Hadley Reserves at home.

Kick-off is at 3pm with free admission for all.