GILLINGHAM manager Ronnie Jepson has strongly defended his side's disciplinary record ahead of their League 1 match against Tranmere Rovers at Priestfield on Saturday.

Efe Sodje became the third player to be sent off in two games as the Gills went down 3-0 against a below-strength Watford in the first round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

But Jepson said: "If we were going over the top with tackles and smashing people with the elbow I could understand it. But it hasn't been like that.

"I think the cards get brandished a little bit too easily at times."

* For a full preview ahead of the weekend's big match see Friday's Medway Messenger.