TEN-MAN York City won a combustible encounter with Luton Town thanks to Jamie Reed’s ninth goal of the season.

Reed’s goal midway through the half reignited City’s play-off push despite Scott Kerr’s dismissal for two bookable offences shortly afterwards.

Earlier, away manager Gary Brabin had also been sent from the dugout, sparking disgraceful scenes that must be dealt with appropriately by the relevant authorities.

City manager Gary Mills made two changes to the side that started Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Tamworth.

Leon Constantine was recalled in attack while Neil Barrett was handed his first start in 14 matches.

Making way for the Minstermen were top scorer Michael Rankine and Peter Till with Mills reverting to a 4-3-3 formation.

Luton, meanwhile, included former City defender Luke Graham in their side.

The hosts made the early running, winning a flurry of corners and Jamie Reed was only denied a second-minute headed goal from Ashley Chambers’ flag-kick by a terrific reflex save by Mark Tyler.

Constantine then lifted his shot over from the rebound and, moments later, miskicked when presented with a good chance following James Meredith’s cross.

On 12 minutes, a strong, positive run by Reed ended with a 25-yard drive wide of Tyler’s near post.

Luton, though, could have easily forged ahead with their first chance of the evening when Adam Newton’s through ball sent Jason Walker clear but the former Barrow striker dragged his shot across the face of goal.

City lost Dan Parslow midway through the half with the fully-committed centre-back typically refusing to hold back in a brave aerial challenge that led to a nasty clash of heads with visiting striker Matthew Barnes-Homer.

The former Welsh Under-21 international was eventually led gingerly off the pitch by phsyio Jeff Miller with Meredith moving into the centre of defence after Chris Carruthers’ introduction.

A sliced Michael Ingham clearance gifted Amari Morgan-Smith with an opportunity moments later but the City goalkeeper redeemed himself with a flying save.

The game boiled over, though, on 41 minutes when Brabin objected to a late Scott Kerr challenge that referee Steve Smith swiftly punished with a yellow card.

Brabin, though, wanted to pick a fight with City assistant manager Darron Gee and, having been warned about his conduct earlier, was ordered out of the dugout.

The former Doncaster Rovers midfielder then shoved away stewards, who were assigned to escort him off the pitch and more scuffles followed in the players’ tunnel with visiting captain George Pilkington also cautioned after he left the field to intervene in the skirmish.

When play eventually restarted, Chambers’ curling shot was grasped at the second attempt by Tyler with Reed waiting to pounce while City midfielders Barrett and Jonathan Smith both had their names taken and Luton left-back Freddie Murray was stretchered off before the half-time whistle.

Kerr and Barrett both had early second-half shots saved while Gnakpa forced Ingham into his first stop of the night on 53 minutes.

It was the Minstermen, though, who broke the deadlock in the 65th minute.

Jonathan Smith threaded a perfect ball through to Reed who produced a thumping 15-yard finish past Tyler.

Just two minutes later, the home team were down to ten men when Kerr tripped Morgan-Smith and was shown a second yellow card.

But City saw out the match in terrific fashion.

Dangerman Gnakpa provided the only threat with a 20-yard drive that cleared Ingham’s crossbar on 88 minutes.

With City hearts in their mouths, referee Smith then cautioned Luton substitute Robbie Willmott for diving after a Liam Darville challenge in the penalty box.

Match facts

York City 1 (Reed 65), Luton Town 0

York City: Michael Ingham 8, Liam Darville 8, Daniel Parslow 7, Chris Smith 9, James Meredith 9, Scott Kerr 7, Neil Barrett 7, Jonathan Smith 8, Ashley Chambers 7, Leon Constantine 7, Jamie Reed 9.

Subs: Chris Carruthers (for Parslow 21, 8), Peter Till (for Barrett 63, 7), Levi Mackin (for Constantine 73).

Not used: Michael Rankine, Andre Boucaud.

Key: 10 – Faultless; 9 – Outstanding; 8 – Excellent; 7 – Good; 6 – Average; 5 – Below par; 4 – Poor; 3 – Dud; 2 – Hopeless; 1 – Retire.

City’s star man: Chris Smith – a tower of strength at the back.

Luton: Mark Tyler, Dan Gleeson, Luke Graham, George Pilkington, Freddie Murray (Claude Gnakpa 45), Adam Newton, Keith Keane, Jake Howells, Amari Morgan-Smith (Dan Walker 78), Jason Walker, Matthew Barnes-Homer (Robbie Willmott 74).

Subs (not used): Godfrey Poku, Kevin Pilkington.

Booked: C Smith 8, Graham 14, Kerr 41, Barrett 45, J Smith 45, Pilkington 45, Carruthers 85, Wilmott 90.

Sent off: Kerr 65.

Shots on target: York 4, Luton 1.

Shots off target: York 5, Luton 5.

Corners: York 6, Luton 3.

Fouls conceded: York 10, Luton 10.

Offsides: York 2, Luton 0.

Referee: Steve Smith (County Durham).

Attendance: 2,955 (202 from Luton).