Chris Richards was controversially sent off with a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time of a contest which never found a flow.

Late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic saw Manchester City open up a four-point cushion to the Europa League places.

Dan Skelton added over £30,000 to his tally to take his lead to almost £70,000 as he took advantage of a blank day for Willie Mullins in the race to be champion trainer.