ROYSTON TOWN 2 (K Ofori, C Edwards) TRING ATHLETIC 3 (D Gray, G Nicolson, A Humphries) NINE-man Crows sank to second-from-bottom in the Spartan South Midlands League after another night of defensive woe at Garden Walk on Tuesday. Goalkeeper Scott Statha

ROYSTON TOWN 2

(K Ofori, C Edwards)

TRING ATHLETIC 3

(D Gray, G Nicolson,

A Humphries)

NINE-man Crows sank to second-from-bottom in the Spartan South Midlands League after another night of defensive woe at Garden Walk on Tuesday.

Goalkeeper Scott Statham came racing out of goal in an attempt to clear a long ball forward, and completely missed the ball, allowing Gary Nicolson to slot into an empty net for the winner.

The lack of a solid goalkeeper is only one of manager Phil Snowden's problems, as his side still search for a win after 10 games.

The Crows have now collected five red cards this season, and although the dismissal of Snowden's son Stuart, for a second booking, could be described as unlucky, there must be serious concern about the behaviour of winger Kojo Ofori.

The youngster was dismissed in the 53rd minute for a terrible late challenge, sparking a 16-player brawl which also involved both benches.

It was Ofori's third sending off this season, and he now faces a seven- match ban.

Among all the red mist at Garden Walk, however, there were at least some signs of recovery from the home team.

Stuart Snowden and Carl Edwards both had early chances, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the in the 19th minute, when Statham was left rooted to the spot as Danny Gray sent a well-struck low shot past him from 20 yards.

It took only six minutes for the home side to grab an equaliser, when Pete Chappell's cross from the right somehow eluded the Tring defence, leaving the unmarked Ofori with the simple task of firing home.

Both sides had chances to add to the scoreline, with Snowden lucky not to concede a penalty when he pulled down Paul Lewis, with referee Mr Medlock judging the offence had taken place outside the box. He did, however, book Snowden.

Royston started the second half well with Ofori firing wide, before they took the lead in the 48th minute, when a good ball from Chappell found Edwards, who lashed the ball home from just outside the box for his first senior goal for the Crows.

The lead lasted just two minutes, before a long free-kick found the unmarked Andy Humphries who headed home.

Within thee minutes the Crows were down to 10 men following Ofori's moment of madness, and from then on it was only a matter of time before Tring wrapped up the game.

Despite some comedy goalkeeping, Royston remained on level terms until Nicolson netted, and although Chappell saw a corner saved, the Crows never looked likely to grab an equaliser.

The 89th minute saw Snowden join Ofori in the dressing room for a second yellow card to complete a miserable night for the Crows.

Royston: S Statham, P Chappell, R Cannon (P Owuso Sarpong), S Snowden, L Revell (D McMurrough), J Nash (B Jackson), J Lavelle, C Edwards, E Kitenge, L Rogers, K Ofori. Unused sub: M Nichols.

- The Crows face a key week with games in the FA Vase and league.

Ruislip Manor are the visitors in the Vase on Saturday, while on Wednesday Royston travel to the only side below them in the league, Biggleswade Town, the game being played at Bedford United.