Halstead Town's seven-match unbeaten run came to a dramatic end at Histon Reserves last night as they lost 3-1 and had two men sent-off.

Gino Defeo and Andy Head were red-carded in the controversial Ridgeons League premier division game.

Halstead fell behind to an early goal, then lost top-scorer Gareth Heath with a broken nose. Histon struck again on 20 minutes and Halstead were on the backfoot for the rest of the first half.

The visitors worked hard, though, and Ben Cranfield had a goal ruled out for offside two minutes from half-time.

Undeterred by this, Cranfield found the net again at the start of the second period - this time with a penalty - and the goal stood.

But after he had another goal ruled out for offside on 72 minutes, firing in Defeo's cross, Halstead's night went from bad to worse.

Defoe headed for an early shower after alleged remarks to the official, who also yellow-carded Kevin Inglis for dissent.

Andy Clark's team were then reduced to nine men when Andy Head's challenge on the Histon keeper for a loose ball was adjudged to be a sending-off offence.

Salt was rubbed into Halstead's wounds two minutes from time when Tony English conceded a penalty, which was converted.

Published Thursday, September 23, 2004

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