Highgate Utd 4, Pershore Town 1

THE absence of defender Chris Jew and young forward Will Pedley severely handicapped a Town side that was also forced to play the final 27 minutes with only ten men after Adam Ward was sent off.

By then, though, the hosts had all but wrapped up the points, leading 3-1 after Simon Judge had headed Town level in the 24th minute.

Highgate had taken the lead 11 minutes earlier when a long ball caught out the visiting side's defence but Simon Brain's set-piece saw Judge nod in the equaliser.

Pershore suffered a blow three minutes before the break when a home attacker was allowed to fire his side ahead.

However, the visitors made a bright start to the second period and only a brilliant save prevented Joe Maidment levelling for a second time.

Barry McLean then produced a fine stop to prevent United doubling their lead but more slack defending gifted the hosts a third after 56 minutes.

Ward's dismissal dented hopes of a fightback even further and a fourth goal eight minutes from time sealed a home victory.