Messenbird sent off again as home specialists Fareham are in seventh heaven

Connor Messenbird was sent off for the second time in four matches as Fareham thrashed Shaftesbury 5-1. Pic: Vernon Nash.

The midfielder was dismissed shortly before half-time in a 5-1 victory over lowly Shaftesbury - the Reds’ seventh successive home Wessex League Premier Division victory.

Messenbird had previously been sent off in Fareham’s Russell Cotes Cup loss at lower division Alton on February 4.

The Reds made a ninth minute breakthrough when an Ethan Jones cross was headed into his own net by a defender.

With the hosts taking full control, further chances soon followed and man of the match Josh Benfield saw his 25-yard shot rebound off the post.

Deep into first-half stoppage-time, a melee in the Shaftesbury goal ended up with Messenbird and an opposing player dismissed.

When the dust had settled, Jack Breed made no mistake with the resulting spot-kick.

Breed blazed a second penalty over the bar midway through the second half.

Shaftesbury were forced to play the final half-hour with nine men because of an injury.

Despite this, they reduced the arrears before Gary Austin grabbed a brace and Benfield notched a deserved goal to complete the rout.

Fareham have now belted 43 home league goals - the joint-highest in the Premier Division with leaders Alresford. But while the table-toppers have played 16 home games, Fareham have only played 14.

The Reds are home again this Thursday against Baffins Milton Rovers.

Baffins suffered their 17th home postponement of the season at the weekend.

To no huge surprise, the PMC Stadium pitch was ruled unfit for the scheduled Wessex League game with Hamworthy United.

Baffins were due to host leaders Alresford this coming Tuesday as well, but that has now been switched to Arlebury Park.

The two clubs have yet to face each other in the league this season.