Petrucci sent off as City Reserves lose out

Striker dismissed for second yellow card at Langford

ST ALBANS City Reserves’ Dom Petrucci saw red as the Saints’ second string slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Langford on Saturday.

Petrucci was issued a second yellow card 10 minutes after the resumption to sum up a miserable afternoon.

The Saints were behind after just seven minutes when Karagozlu failed to deal with a ball in the box and Kim Forsythe was on hand to break the deadlock.

Striker Brian Haule limped out of the action with a recurrence of his hamstring strain and he was replaced by Tremayne Charles.

Soon after the break Langford were handed a penalty when Byrne was bought down in the box but goalscorer Forsythe saw his penalty kick hit the post. The home side didn’t have much longer to wait for a second goal though as two minutes later Ellis played in Peters and he made no mistake, lobbing David Bailey.

Petrucci’s dismissal – for a second yellow card – gave the Saints an even bigger mountain to climb but in the face of adversity they fought back and were rewarded when Charles netted after good work by Matthew Taylor.

St Albans kept on pushing for the equalising goal but with their attentions turned to attacking they were hit by a late third goal that put the result beyond doubt.

Manager Franco Sidoli told the club’s website: “I am very proud of the 10 players that finished the game today. They gave it everything and were a credit to the Club. They withstood some difficult challenges without any referee protection and in my opinion were well worth a draw but it wasnt to be.

“However, we found out a bit more about a few of the boys today, especially the youngsters Taylor and Charles who coped very well with the whole situation.”

This Saturday City Reserves travel to Harpenden Town, kick-off 3pm.