WEALDSTONE are facing a defensive crisis following Rob Fitzgerald's sending off in last night's 3-2 Ryman Premier win over Cray Wanderers.

The defender received his second red card of the season after clashing with Scott Kinch, who had set things off with an ugly challenge on Stones goalkeeper Sean Thomas.

Fitzgerald remonstrated with the Wands player, who spat in his face, prompting Fitzgerald to shove his opponent to the ground.

Both players were sent off and Fitzgerald is expected to be hit with a four match ban, which will coincide with fellow defender James Gray's 14 day ban for a pre-season head-butt.

"The lad spat in Rob's face and then went down as if he'd been poleaxed when Rob pushed him", said Stones boss Gordon Bartlett. "But the referee was right to send both players off.

"We didn't play well but still managed to get the three points, which is pretty harsh on Cray as they had their chances to win it too. The game was too open for my liking and we didn't do the horrible things right."