Charlie Allen had a debut to forget for Tamworth on Saturday.

The young midfielder joined the Lambs on loan until January after being frozen out at Gillingham.

But he was sent-off just eight minutes after coming on as a first half substitute against Braintree in the Skrill Premier.

Allen was red-carded after a challenge on Braintree’s Chez Isaac.

The Tamworth boss Dale Belford, who was holding back on saying exactly how he felt, thought the dismissal was harsh.

“I’m devastated for him,” said the Lambs boss. “He’s been bright as a button in training and been superb.

“He’s been desperate to play but that happens. It’s a man’s game and the days of full-blooded tackles and showing that commitment and effort…it’s one of them.”

Allen tweeted: "Not an ideal start. Feel hard done by but ah well. Silver lining is it can only get better!!"

His dismissal was announced to the crowd at Priesfield during the half-time break of Gillingham’s game against Carlisle.

Allen helped the Gills to win League 2 last season but since the departure of his father Martin Allen, he hasn’t been involved at all in the first team.

Gills interim boss Peter Taylor insisted that Allen would be treated no differently than any other fan and would be judged on football ability along.

Taylor said: “What I've seen in training, I don't think he was going to get much football.”

On leaving, Allen tweeted before the weekend: “I had to go out and play. Extremely relieved to be away after my 'fair opportunity' didn't work out as planned.

“Sad to say goodbye for a while my team mates and fans who have been outstanding to me through tough times! Good luck to all at Gills.”

Allen made 32 league appearances for Gillingham on their way to the League 2 title last season.