htafc.com caught up with a disappointed Andy Ritchie following the 4-1 defeat at Southend United to get his views on the game - in particular Town's two red cards.

"We didn't play well tonight, especially in the first-half; we were probably a bit fortunate to go in only 1-0 down at half-time. However, when you get yourself a goal back at 2-0 down you feel that you have a chance but then our goalkeeper gets sent-off, despite their lad (Leon Clarke) telling the referee that he slipped and Matt didn't touch him. As a result, I'm hoping it will be rescinded but it doesn't help us tonight.

"We created a good goal that Danny Schofield finished well at the back-post, but the sending-off wrecked the game for us. I felt the two goals we conceded late on were a bit harsh, but that's the way it is and we have to get ready for the weekend.

"I'm afraid I didn't see Frank's sending-off as I was looking the other way at the time. Perhaps he caught him a bit late, but it was right down in the left-hand corner and I can't really comment having not seen it.

"Alex Smithies made his debut for us and did ok, but he came a little bit too far out of his goal for their third and gave Gower a bit greater of an angle to aim for. He's a young lad though and he was thrust into a game that he didn't have much time to contemplate, which can be hard. He's a very good young 'keeper though and I have a lot of faith in him.

"Now we have to lodge our complaint about Matt's red tomorrow morning and I'm hopeful that we'll have him available for Leeds United on Saturday. We'll get back home as soon as we can and make sure that we eat and rest correctly tomorrow to ensure we're ready for the early kick-off."