London Colney suffered their first home league defeat of the season – and only second reverse so far this season – with a 3-2 loss to 10-man Cockfosters.

The visitors had raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Ben Hart and Ioannis Varouxakis.

But when Cameron Currie was sent-off for deliberate handball just before half-time, and captain Greg Shaw scored from the resulting penalty, it seemed a comeback may be on the cards.

However, Bobby Spears restored Cockfosters advantage and although Shaw got a second, Cockfosters hung on for the three points.

The Blueboys remain top of Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division but the gap has been cut to eight points by second-placed Hertford Town, who also have three games in hand.

Colney had the chances early on.

Jon Clements’ firm low drive was saved by Austin Byfield while Shaw had a header blocked inside the box.

But on 14 minutes the visitors took the lead, Hart latching onto a long ball and calmly slipping it beyond Tom Gowans.

It led to a spell of Cockfosters pressure with Gowans making a smart save from a George Ironton shot before denying a Jason Beck header moments later.

Eventually they made that pressure pay with Varouxakis applying the finishing touch after Colney had failed to clear.

It woke the hosts up and they got back into the game when Spencer Clarke-Mardel’s shot was stopped on the line by Currie’s hands.

But despite Shaw’s penalty Cockfosters refused to lie down and on 67 minutes went 3-1 up, Spears heading home from Jay Rolfe’s cross.

The Blueboys hit back once more, Shaw nodding in Clements’ corner with 15 minutes to go.

Those last few minutes were frantic but efforts from Dave Parkinson and Gregg Douglas were both stopped as Colney slipped to defeat.

They will look to get back on the winning trail this Saturday when they travel to Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase.