WOOFFERTON’S title hopes suffered a setback as they were crushed 4-0 at home by Herefordshire League Division One leaders Holme Lacy.

But they were not helped by having Simon Bradley sent off midway through the first half after picking up two early bookings, one for a foul and the second for dissent.

The visitors had threatened before then but, with the extra man, began to take control and were soon in front when Jean-Luc Alvarez latched on to a through ball and powered his shot home.

Some solid defending kept the leaders at bay for the remainder of the half although Sean Thomas did put an effort over the Woofferton target after some neat footwork on the edge of the area.

Chris Freddi put an effort over the target early in the second half before Holme Lacy doubled their lead on the hour, defender Tom Jenkins rising highest to head in a cross after the Blues defence had failed to clear a corner.

Substitutes Mark Davies and Will Ferriday combined for the third on 70 minutes, the latter turning home a low Davies cross.

And the scoring was complete soon after when Ferriday found the net for his second from 18 yards.

A late Luke Pugh effort which was blocked by the keeper was the best Woofferton could muster as they saw their title rivals stretch their advantage to eight points although they have played an extra two games.

Blues spokesman Dave Thomas admitted the better side won on the day.

“Holme Lacy have a big squad and were certainly better than us and fitter than us on the day,” he said. “It was always going to be a hard game with 11 men but after the red card we were on the back foot.

“They played with just one man up front but their three central midfielders were good and gave him plenty of support.”

Back-to-back defeats have seen Woofferton drop to third with Sinkums now in the runners-up up spot. But with five games to go there’s plenty still to play for.

Thomas added: “ We have 15 points up for grabs so we could still challenge for the title. We have two games in hand on Holme Lacy and have to play them again.

“On Saturday we are at home to Kingstone Harriers so we’re hoping we can bounce back with a victory.”

Harriers are bottom of Division One and were beaten 5-0 when the sides met at Kingstone High School back in October.