McFarlane angry at Tomlinson dismissal

Hornchurch are to appeal against the sending-off of midfielder Andy Tomlinson during their Essex Senior Cup defeat at Colchester last night.

Tomlinson was shown a straight red card by referee Adam Crysell for a clumsy challenge on Lloyd James in the 40th minute.

Urchins were trailing 2-0 at the time, but the ten-men hit back through Jonathan Hunt before the hour, before two late goals condemned them to a 4-1 defeat.

Manager Jimmy McFarlane said; “I’m going to speak to the Essex FA to see if we can appeal.

“It used to be a 35-day ban, but it will be three games. But that’s bad enough, especially when it’s one of your better players. I thought Tommo was playing really well.

“The referee seemed so anti-us from the off. We had no time to warm-up, considering we got there at ten past seven for a seven-thirty kick-off, and felt he carried that into the game.

“He gave a free-kick against Elliot (Styles) when he clearly won the ball. The players said he kept saying ‘be careful’ when tackles were going in.”

Hornchurch will now turn their attentions to the FA Trophy clash with Farnborough on Saturday.

The Conference South club visit Bridge Avenue, after beating Bury in a replay in the previous round.

The winners will pocket �5,000 in prize money as well as a place in the last 32.