KIERAN Dovey admitted his sending off cost AFC Ludlow three points against Bartestree in West Midlands League Division One.

The midfield received his marching orders shortly before half-time last Saturday when he raised his hands to opposing player Marc Avery's face.

Avery was also dismissed after the break for scything down Jack Beaumont, but despite pressing for the winning, AFC Ludlow failed to break down a resilient Bartestree team.

"It was just frustration," said Dovey.

"I stopped for a quick free-kick and their played booted the ball at me.

"And I reacted and hit him in the face and paid the price.

"For the start of the second half it affected the team.

"We came here expecting to get three points because they're third from bottom but it's one of those things.

"We got a point at the end of the day, but I've said sorry to the lads."

The result, coupled with Bromyard beating Wrens Nest, mean AFC Ludlow are now five points from the top of the league.

However, that could change if Hanwood's withdrawal from the league is confirmed.

Manager Dave Cooper said his team lacked quality in the final third of the pitch and did not have a plan B.

"It's definitely two points dropped, not a point gained," said Cooper.

"You can't do what Kieran did, which cost us.

"But with 10 men, we were quality and were the only team that was going to win that football match.

"We just lacked a bit of quality in the final third.

"That is the first draw we have had this season, but we just looked toothless.

"We let ourselves again against, with no disrespect, a not very good side.

"We've got to get this mentality right that it doesn't matter if you play Bromyard, wo are top, or Bartestree, who are near the bottom, you've got to earn the right to win football matches.

Bartestree had the best chance of the first half when Mark Hibbard's struck a post after 23 minutes.

Shortly afterwards, Dovey tested opposing keeper Jon Hopkins with a rasping drive before Jake Pryce failed to divert Keanu Cooper's free-kick on target.

Dovey was then sent off to give Bartestree the advantage at the break.

But it was AFC Ludlow who were the more threatening in the second half, with Gavin Podmore dragging his effort wide after Dale Hodge's header was cleared off the line.

Avery then received his marching orders to help the away side's cause, but despite pressing for the winner, AFC Ludlow could not find the killer instinct and had to settle for a point.

This Saturday, they travel to ninth-place Wem Town.