EARLSWOOD fell to a 3-0 defeat away at Rostance Edwards in the Midland League Division Two.
Both teams were in need of points on Saturday but it was table toppers Rostance Edwards who picked up the win in their bid for promotion as the visitors were reduced to ten men for most of the match.
Earlswood played downhill in the opening period and on eight minutes Danny Rushe was called into action to tip a long range effort over the bar.
After a very even opening 15 minutes the home team took the lead when a header was powerfully headed home from a corner.
The goal sparked Earlswood into life and they were on top for a period but they were unable to find a way through, while the hosts always looked dangerous on the break.
In the 38th minute the home team goalkeeper was tested with a good effort from Marcus Small which he put out for a corner, but two minutes later Earlswood were reduced to ten men when Jamie Corrigan was dismissed for a high tackle.
Rostance quickly took advantage of the spare man when they added to their lead in the 43rd minute after a ball was put over from the left and and stabbed home by an unmarked striker.
It proved to be a difficult second 45 minutes for the Earlswood men and although they spent most of the period camped inside their own half, they did manage to create chances.
In a rare attack the visitors were awarded a free kick and Matt Green saw his effort saved by the home keeper.
However minutes later the home team increased their lead when a forward went through and placed his low shot just inside the Earlswood post. Earl’s keeper Rushe made a good save in the 67th minute diving full length to put the ball out for a corner.
After 75 minutes a home player was put away down the right but his final effort was put wide of the Earlswood goal.
Three minutes from time Earlswood had one last effort from Russ Moyle but it was saved by the home keeper to bring to an end a bad day at the office for Earlswood who are next in action at home to Austrey Rangers this Saturday.
