REDDITCH Borough were on the receiving end of a nine goal thriller when they lost 5-4 to Barnt Green Spartak in Total Motion Midland League Division Two.

Both sides finished the game with 10 men after Borough had Joel Bell sent-off along with Spartak's Joe Sims in the 82nd minute.

It signalled Borough's fifth defeat in seven league games and spokesman Julian Workman admitted: "We're just not killing sides off at the moment despite playing well."

Busy borough also lost interest in this season's Smedley Crook Cup after losing out in a penalty shoot-out to Midland Premier side Loughborough University after the scores had finished level at 3-3.

Workman added: "I think that cost us against Spartak on Saturday because you could see how leg weary the lads had become."

On a brighter note highly rated striker Billy Garvey has returned to action after fracturing his foot in the opening game of the season.

Workman has also snapped up goalkeeper Ryan Young from Racing Club Warwick.

Borough travel to face Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons in Midland League Two this Saturday.