Raynes sees red as City go down to late Horsham defeat

Joe Raynes became the seventh City player to see red this season as City lost 2-1 to Horsham at The Fusion Aviation Community Stadium this evening. Despite a Harvey Wiles-Richards penalty save and a successful spot kick by Scott Wilson, two headers from corners left City empty-handed from their trip to West Sussex.

On a night to forget for the referee Mr Ellsmore he set the tone for his performance by failing to give a second minute penalty when Wilson was caught late by Strange. City shrugged off this injustice to dominate the early exchanges. Reubin Sheppard forced a great point-blank save by Carey on six minutes then Jordan Alves’ goalbound shot was blocked three minutes later. This bright start faded though as Wiles-Richards had to deny Luer and Fenelon in quick succession. The game became more scrappy after this lively start. Horsham had a strong penalty shout of their own waved away on 24 minutes. Wiles-Richards produced another smart stop to keep out Murphy’s 35th minute shot and the game reached half-time goalless.

The Hornet’s started the second half on the front foot and within seven minutes Luer’s flicked header gave them the lead. Wiles-Richards continued to keep City in the game with a couple more excellent saves before Horsham were awarded a 62nd minute penalty. Jack Batten’s perfectly timed tackle on Murphy incredibly saw the referee point to the spot. Even the home players seemed astonished. Justice was done, though, as Murphy’s weak kick was easily saved by Wiles-Richards. However, before play could restart the referee flashed a straight red card at Raynes. Despite this City levelled on 71 minutes when Wilson was dragged down in the box by Fenelon and he made no mistake from 12 yards. In the circumstances, and with other results going their way, a point would not have been too bad but City were denied that two minutes from time when Hester-Cook rose highest to head the ball home.