Harsh sending off for debutant Dave Winfield says Town boss Graham Turner

The 25-year-old former Wycombe Wanderers centre-back was dismissed three minutes from the end of normal time at Valley Parade for a second bookable offence.

But the Greenhous Meadow boss felt the decision by referee Geoff Eltringham's to give Winfield his marching orders was harsh after he had inadvertently handled Mark Yeates' fierce shot, which came at him from close range and at speed.

He said: "It looked to me from the touchline that it was a very harsh sending-off. The lad has hit a great shot and Dave is just there trying to block it, and he has blocked it.

"Where it has hit him I don't know but to pick that out, give them a free-kick and send Dave off is beyond my comprehension."

Winfield, who had been booked earlier in the half for a foul on James Hanson, was playing his first competitive game for Town after shaking off a pre-season hamstring injury.

He is the second Shrewsbury player in as many weeks to be sent off for handball after midfielder Jon Taylor's dismissal against Wolves last Saturday.

Prior to his red card, Winfield, who will now miss Saturday's home clash with Carlisle, had impressed Turner.

He said: "In the main he was dealing with the long balls quite well in the first half. We have needed that strength in there."

But he has reiterated the need for the team to show more mental strength after they again surrendered a lead, going down 2-1 at the weekend.

"I can't complain about the effort the players have put into the game. It is just that know-how, perhaps a little bit of mental toughness to go on and win matches," said Turner.