City's Michael Seagers gets a shot away against Bly Spartans

Canterbury City boss Dave Fairclough saw his side slip to a third successive Vandanel Kent County League Premier Division defeat at Strood on Saturday but still claimed it was a promising performance.

He felt they deserved at least a point from the game, after having claims for two penalties turned down. City finished with 10 men after skipper Luke Lockhart was sent off-in the closing stages for an alleged stamp, Bly’s Kevin Penfold heading the winner from the resulting free-kick.

Regular goalkeeper Danny Wrench pulled-out, but rookie stand-in Matt Hewitt pulled off several important saves but the defenders in front him struggled again.

When Craig Southen was tripped, Lockhart scored from the spot to give City the lead eight minutes before half-time. Bly levelled after Dave Read had blocked a shot on the line.

The home side were ahead soon after the restart, as City struggled to clear their lines, but Adam Woollcott made it 2-2, following Ben Smith’s powerful run and cross.

City had appeals for another penalty for handball waved away before Lockhart’s late dismissal cost them the chance to bounce back from their Weald of Kent Charity Cup exit the previous week. They visit Coney Hall in the league on Saturday (kick-off 2.45pm).