Kenilworth Wardens returned to the top of the Coventry Alliance Premier table with victory over fellow newly promoted RS Sports.

RS beat Wardens to the division one title last seen season, only to lose out in the Bedworth Nursing Cup final against the Kenilworth outfit.

RS, who finished with just eight players, started the game with more possession with Wardens looked dangerous on the counter.

The first real chance came on 20 minutes when a brilliant ball was played by Jack Thomas to Ben Edmunds who shaped to shoot but squared to captain Andy Legg for a simple tap in.

RS, who like Wardens came into the game with six points from nine since promotion, immediately equalised.

From kick off, a long ball was played to Dave Buckley, who out muscled both centre backs before firing home from close range.

On 35 minutes RS went down to ten men when Cyrus Small received two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent.

A long ball forward to Buckley was claimed by Wardens keeper Andy Whitehouse with RS claiming he handled the ball outside the box.

And with the referee and linesman disagreeing Small was given his marching orders after continuing to protest the referee not awarding a free kick.

Wardens could have taken the lead a few minutes later when a perfect ball from Guy Pearson was met by Andy Legg, but his initial header and follow up were expertly saved by the RS keeper.

But Wardens did take the lead on 40. Pearson received the ball on the left and his cross was spilled by the keeper - under pressure from Thomas - for Andy Legg to volley in from close range - for his fourth goal in three games.

Despite the man disadvantage RS continued to have more of the ball and play - albeit without creating clear cut chances.

Wardens could and should have scored on the counter, but Pearson, Edmunds and Legg couldn't convert their many chances.

But the winning goal game on 70 minutes.

Whitehouse played a trademark long ball from his hands, with Pearson beating the keeper and his marker to the ball giving him the simple task of passing home.

Wardens could have scored several chances, however a combination of RS's keeper making brilliant saves and poor finishing kept the game 3-1.

Substitute Stan Moss also was unlucky not to score, hitting both the post and bar.

And the day got worse for RS who on 83 minutes when two more of their players were sent for early showers when Steven Roberts headbutted James Butler.

Following remonstrations following the dismissal Buckley was also given his marching orders, given Wardens an easy finish for their 50th victory since restarting.

Speaking after the game manager Eamonn Richards - who celebrated his 125th victory as an adults coach - said: "When I talk about why our side is good and wins most weeks, I don't talk about us being good technical and physical footballers - which we are - I talk about how intelligent we are, both emotionally and as footballers.

"Today's game wasn't won due to talent it was won due to composure on the pitch, and for that I'm so proud of my lads.

"Alex Waters was great at right back coming from the reserves. Butler was brilliant and got a bad swollen cheek for his trouble.

"Big shout out to Castaway (James Brewitt) and Matt legg too, because they dealt well with Dave Buckley, who is the best striker in this league. Their partnership is really working well."