TUFC head coach Gary Owers was left a frustrated figure after the final whistle of United’s 1-0 defeat to Dover Athletic.
United went a man down after 60 minutes when striker Rhys Healey was sent off, receiving a second yellow card from referee, Carl Brook. The first caution was given by the referee for supposed simulation by Healey inside Dover’s penalty box. The second for a foul following in going in search of the ball. The referee then sent Elliott Romain off near the final whistle for catching Giancarlo Gallifuoco as both players competed for a ball. Both sendings off will be looked at further by the coaching staff.
“I’m saying he didn’t dive,” said Owers about Healey’s first yellow card. “It’s a foul, or he overran it.”
TUFC assistant coach Martin Kuhl was sent to the stands for showing his frustration in the second half.
In general Owers was happy with the application shown by his team.
“I’m going to stick up for the lads today. I thought they had a go against a team that have done well this season, a really strong physical team. I thought they carried the fight up until the final whistle. The latter stages of the game we should’ve scored an equalizer.”
United will be missing Healey and Romain for Tuesday night’s visit of AFC Fylde.
“It’s the worst possible outcome for us,” added Owers. “We’ve lost the game, we’ve finished with 9 men, we’ve got a game on Tuesday. The lads that are playing at the end are doing more work than they need to because they have to work for two players that have been sent off, two very influential players that have scored goals for us and they will be sat in the stands.
“We have to turn up on Tuesday and try and win the game.”
Next Match: Torquay United Vs AFC Fylde | Plainmoor | 10/04/18 | Kick-Off 7:45pm