BRADFORD Park Avenue intend contesting the dismissal of Nathan Hotte in their Vanarama Conference North draw against North Ferriby United.

The Avenue skipper was sent off for handball in a packed area but the player insists the ball struck him elsewhere and the club are prepared to back him.

They will lodge an appeal with the Football Association as they attempt to get the straight red card rescinded.

Avenue boss John Deacey said: “I thought the sending off was absolutely ridiculous and should never have happened.

“The ball was flying about and there were bodies everywhere and if it hits someone’s hand in that situation then its unavoidable.

"If the ref thinks it has stopped the ball going in then he should give a penalty but not a red card.

“I can understand the ref doing that but I don’t know what he was thinking, giving Nathan a straight red. He said it was for denying a goal-scoring opportunity and the player had to go.

“Nathan told us that the ball had hit his knee, so we are definitely going to try to get it overturned.”

Deacey feels the sending off cost the club two points but he was delighted with the spirit and effort of the remaining ten men.

However, there was more bad news with the injury to recent acquisition Dan Clayton and news later in the week that Nathan Turner’s most recent knee injury is a career-threatening one.

Deacey said: “The boys did well against a top side, like they did in the second half against Solihull last Saturday. But when we had ten men, the boys were absolutely superb.

“We had to change the system but Richard Marshall’s work-rate was exceptional and so was Jamie Price’s. Jordan (Deacey) did exceptionally well, as did Chib (Chilaka) and Frosty (Danny Frost).

“Joe Colbeck had to fill in at right back and he adjusted to that really well. It was a magnificent performance from everyone.”

Avenue are gearing up for a second important cup tie next Saturday after they were drawn against league rivals Leamington in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.

The other big clash they are looking towards is a West Riding County Cup quarter-final against Farsley.

Deacey said: “I think the Trophy draw was okay. Some people will be disappointed that we are playing a club from our own division – but as long as you’ve got a home game, it’s a good draw.

“It will be good for the club, like the Farsley game. Two high-interest home games like that will be good to stage at Horsfall.”