Halstead are beaten by leaders (From Halstead Gazette)

Gazette Sport

4:26pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

Halstead Town's 16-match unbeaten run ended at leaders Brantham Athletic.

It was a highly-charged affair, with referee Andy Langston the busiest man on the field.

He booked ten players, culminating in Lee Townrow’s dismissal 15 minutes from time for his protests at allowing Brantham’s second goal to stand.

It looked as though Dave Grimwood had scored from an offside position, after Lee Grimwood’s cross shot was parried by keeper Ed Wootten.

The contest was a well-fought affair, with play swinging from end to end.

Wootten turned away a shot from Pat Brothers, before keeper Ryan Bedingfield left his goal to collect Liam Morley’s fine cross.

Both sides pushed the ball round to good effect but there was little to choose between the sides.

Defences stood firm and it was no surprise when the interval arrived goal-less.

The free-kick total continued to mount up after the break, especially after both sides brought on substitutes.

Neither side allowed many shooting chances in front of goal, as the bookings increased.

The deadlock was finally broken after 66 minutes.

Olly Mann powered home following a breakaway on the right flank by Lee Grimwood and Halstead found themselves under pressure after that.

And Dave Grimwood scored a controversial second goal late on to seal Town’s fate.