London Colney’s South Midlands Premier Division title hopes suffered a blow after a 3-1 home defeat to struggling Harefield United on Saturday.

The Blueboys made a bright start but visiting goalkeeper Jacob Ballheimer made important saves to deny Charlie Smith and Dave Corran.

Harefield took the lead against the run of play, just before half time, when Corran was ruled to have fouled an opponent and Will Hudson netted the penalty kick.

It got even worse at the start of the second half when London Colney fell further behind.

Maddy Mkoloma sped away from the defence and fired home to put the visitors in an unlikely position.

The hosts were reduced to ten men when Corran was dismissed for dissent.

Harefield effectively clinched the victory with a third goal when Melford Simpson hammered the ball into the roof of the net.

The Blueboys kept pushing forward and were rewarded with a consolation when Russell Gallagher headed home.

London Colney will have the chance to bounce back at Hadley tonight before facing Sun Sports on Saturday.