POPPIES' hopes of a top-five finish nose-dived after they had defenders Ollie Cherrett and Paul Cuglietta sent off at Privett Park.

Cherrett saw red in the 25th minute and Cuglietta in the 67th, both for two yellows.

Poppies boss James Wood said: "Ollie's first booking was probably a bit harsh but he deserved the second one after jumping in for a tackle.

"He took the ball but when you show your studs the ref jumps on it very quickly.

"I've no real complaints about that sending off. Ollie should have known better and held his hands up afterwards in the dressing room."

Stuart Findlay gave Gosport the lead, just before Cuglietta was dismissed, and Ian Rew wrapped the game up late on.

Wood said: "I thought Paul's sending off was a bit harsh. First he was booked for an innocuous challenge and then he was cautioned when he went up for a header, which I felt was a harsh decision.

"I thought the ref was quite influenced by the Gosport bench who were up on their feet and quite vocal throughout.

"Having said that, we let ourselves down a bit because with 11 against 11 we were well on top.

"I thought we were better side then and never looked in any danger.

"Even with 10 men, we kept our composure and played well but once Paul was sent off they pulled us all over the place.

"Their first goal was crucial and if we could have kept it tight for another 10-15 minutes after Paul's dismissal we might have been able to get back into it."

Poppies: Harvell, Cuglietta, Bailey-Pearce (Sanderson, 20), Cherrett, Dibba, Langrish (Toy, 75), Dancer (Merritt, 70), McCabe, Constable, Phillips, Swann. Unused subs: Ackerman, Strong.