Boss Andy Sinton will not lodge an appeal over the latest dismissal for AFC Telford United goalkeeper Ryan Young – becaue of the slim hope of success.

Young was given his marching orders 11 minutes from time in Saturday’s 3-0 FA Trophy defeat to Darlington.

The 31-year-old has protested his innocence over the clash with Quakers striker Liam Hatch and Sinton had earlier indicated that he would be ready to launch an appeal.

But the club has now confirmed that is “highly unlikely” to happen.

“I spoke to Ryan yesterday because knowing him as I do I knew he’d be worrying about it,” the Telford chief revealed. “He swears blind that he did nothing untoward. He says their guy had hold of his arm and he raked his arm to shrug him away, nothing more than that.

“I’ve got to believe my player as I didn’t see it because I’d turned away,” he added.

“I’m told the video evidence is inconclusive.”

It is Young’s second red card of the season and a dismissal for violent conduct carries a three game ban.

That means he will miss the trip to Harrogate on February 19 followed by key home games with title favourites Alfreton and Corby.

Sinton must now decide whether to show faith in teenager Daniel Platt, who deputised the last time the regular No 1 was out, or bring in a more experienced alternative. “I certainly have to bring someone in and now my attention turns to what type of keeper,” said Sinton.

“Ryan is missing games against teams who like to pump balls into the box and I need to decide how we deal with that.”

• Platt will feature in a side packed with fringe players who will travel to play Eccleshall in a friendly tomorrow evening.

By CHRIS HUDSON