MANAGER Quentin Townsend was sent from the dugout as Pershore Town lost 1-0 at Coventry Copsewood on Saturday.

Referee Martin Gittens incensed the visitors who had already been left frustrated by seeing chances come and go during the first half.

Townsend received his marching orders early in the second half and his mood would not have been improved when Alfie Bloomer was denied a direct route to goal with 20 minutes to go only for Gittens to dish out a yellow card to the perpetrator.

And the cap was put on a spirit-sapping day when Lawrence Rawlings picked up a loose clearance to squeeze in the only goal of the game to consign Pershore to defeat.

Charlie Anagho-Ntamark had an effort deflected wide and forced a fine save from Coventry custodian Olly Manuel during the first half.

The rivals continued to trade chances before the decisive double flashpoint with Bloomer and Anagho-Ntamark firing off target in pursuit of a late leveller.

Town will look to bounce back at home to Hinckley AFC on Saturday (3pm).