One of the main talking points of Cambridge United's disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Kettering on Monday was the dismissal of Ben Farrell.

The midfielder received a straight red card for a challenge on Craig Westcarr midway through the second half. Both managers have described Mr Creighton's decision as 'harsh' and TV replays seem to confirm that it was nothing more than a mundane challenge, but Farrell was dismissed for 'violent conduct' and faces an automatic three match suspension.

Speaking afterwards, 22-year-old Farrell admitted he was stunned by his dismissal: "I thought the red card was embarrassing. I couldn't believe it.

"I miscontrolled the ball and went for the tackle and he bottled it whilst I carried through and got sent off. I didn't even expect a card - I expected to carry on. I haven't seen the TV replay yet but I'd like to take it to an appeal if the club will let me," he added.

United were already trailing by a goal when Farrell was sent off and Kettering went on to win the game 2-0, and he admitted the visitors' game plan worked well.

"They were a strong side physically and that made them a bit of a handful, and we were a bit tired after Saturday but that's no excuse for the performance," he commented.

"We couldn't get anything out of their centre backs, no flick-ons. They won just about everything we threw at them. Even Lee McEvilly - he was up against Branston who is a decent player and he dominated everything out there.

"To be fair to Kettering they fully deserved the result. It's important that this makes us stronger and we kick on against Weymouth," concluded the disappointed midfielder. "We know we let people down today and getting outplayed on live TV isn't acceptable."

Interview by David Gray

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