FIVE players were sent off in an extraordinary match as Evesham United drew 2-2 at Guildford City.

Guildford finished with eight players and Evesham nine in the Southern League Division One South and West clash at the Spectrum Stadium.

James Vercesi had given United a 13th-minute lead with his third goal in two games before the fun and games began.

Evesham loanee Ed Williams was first to take an early bath when, on the advice of an assistant, he was shown a straight red after tangling with Bruce McPhail just outside the box.

From the resulting free-kick, Ben Walsh levelled the scores with a well-struck finish.

Evesham went off the boil and fell behind when striker Kevaughn Ward fired the Sweeney 2-1 ahead on 38 minutes.

Leading up to half-time, red cards were then brandished by referee Mr Lucie to United defender Alton Axton and Guildford’s Anthony Bridgeman for an off-the-ball incident spotted by the assistant.

A quiet opening to the second-half burst into life when the Robins drew level at 2-2 on 62 minutes.

Substitute Lance Smith was tripped in the box by last man Elvis Defreitas, who was subsequently sent off, leaving Robins skipper Richard Mansell to step up and blast home the resulting penalty.

Guildford were reduced to eight men when the referee showed a second yellow card to Darren Stapleton for a nudge on Elliott Kennedy.

For the final 20 minutes, Evesham bombarded the Guildford goal but a combination of poor finishing and near misses prevented Paul Collicutt’s side from snatching a late winner.

When the home defence was breached in stoppage time, City keeper Antony Hall made an excellent full-length save to prevent the lively Smith from finding the net.

Evesham United: Bateman, Tambling, Mansell, Barnfield, Dovey, Axton, Kennedy, Davis, Brown (Palmer 68), Vercesi (Smith 60), Williams. Subs not used: Millard, Botfield, Barnfather. Attendance: 78.