TOP-SCORER Chris Bacon and centre-back Anthony Reeve were sent off as Wisbech Town narrowly failed to pip Brantham Athletic to third place.

The Fenmen drew 2-2 in Suffolk on Saturday to equal last year’s fourth-placed finish in the Ridgeons Premier Division.

But Steve Appleby’s troops could have claimed all three points - despite playing a large section of the match with nine men.

It looked an uphill task inside the first 15 minutes as Reeve was dismissed for an alleged “last man” tackle.

But the Fenmen still managed to take the lead in the 32nd minute when Ollie Gale converted Scott Johnson’s free-kick at the far post.

Brantham soon found an equaliser and the hosts were on target again to take a second-half lead.

A second red card then looked to have sealed a miserable afternoon for Wisbech, as Bacon received his marching orders.

The striker, who was named Supporters’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Manager’s Player of the Season, was shown two yellow cards for dissent in the space of two minutes.

But in the final twist of a topsy-turvy season, the Fenmen grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser. Adam Millson’s deflected shot crept past the Brantham keeper to give Appleby’s charges a share of the spoils.

Gale later added some silverware to his goal, as he picked up the Young Player of the Season award at the club’s presentation evening.

Chas Thompson, who is stepping down as physio, was awarded a silver salver for his dedicated service. Son Lewis Thompson collected the award in his absence.