Nahki Wells and his Luton Town team-mates were left aggrieved by a pair of contentious refereeing calls as they slipped to a frustrating 2-1 defeat at Stevenage.
The visitors' afternoon unraveled amid mounting fury over two pivotal decisions, culminating in manager Jack Wilshere being dismissed from the touchline on another barren trip to Broadhall Way.
Stevenage broke the deadlock after 23 minutes through Dan Kemp, who lashed an emphatic effort past Josh Keeley.
The breakthrough sparked fierce protests from the Hatters, who adamant that midfielder Liam Walsh had been fouled in the build-up. Wilshere was so incensed by the failure to award a free-kick that his vehement touchline remonstrations resulted in a red card from the referee.
Matters deteriorated further for ten-man-managed Luton after the restart:
Controversial second: The hosts doubled their advantage when Josh Magennis bundled the ball over the line from six yards out, with video replays suggesting the experienced forward was standing in an offside position.
Luton lifeline: Town mounted a fightback as Mads Andersen cleverly diverted Kasey Palmer's drive into the net to cut the deficit.
Late frustration: Despite late pressure spearheaded by Wells and company, Stevenage held firm through the closing exchanges.
For the second consecutive campaign, the Hatters returned from Hertfordshire empty-handed, ruing key officiating decisions that left them empty-handed on the road.
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