A controversial dismissal proved costly for Tonbridge Angels at the weekend.

With their game against Staines Town in the balance, at 1-1, the referee sent defender George Beavan off for an apparent off-the-ball incident.

Angels boss Steve McKimm was incensed that the official could make the decision from so far away and his player is adamant he did nothing wrong.

Staines went on to score twice more and win the Bostik Premier game 3-1.

“He must have some eyesight to see what he did,” said the Angels boss.

“The boys did all right, we went 1-0 up before half-time, but sending-offs can kill you.

"We haven’t had any ill-discipline this season and the player said he didn’t do what the referee has accused him of.”

McKimm named three new signings in the side, fielding experienced Tom Jelley at right back, Gillingham loanee Bradley Stevenson out wide and another loan player, Eastbourne Borough’s Ryan Worrall, in midfield.

A goal from Nathan Elder late in the first put Angels ahead but it was all-square when Lewis Driver scored five minutes after the restart.

Beaven’s 56th-minute dismissal also led to a penalty, which Staines failed to convert, but they used the man advantage well, taking a 74th-minute lead through Elliot Buchanan and adding a third late on through Josh Webb.

McKimm said: “The referee claimed something happened and there isn’t a lot we can do about it. We have to move on.”

They now face Needham Market on Saturday, the first of three successive home games against teams below them in the table.

He added: “It’s important that we get a win under our belts and then we can think about the next one. Saturday is all we are looking at.”

Chris Kinnear is missing with a groin injury and Beavon will now start his suspension.