By Tim Ashton & Sam Elliott

Hampton & Richmond’s Joel Ledgister said no-one is more disappointed than him after his first half sending off triggered a 3-0 defeat at home to Wealdstone.

In a 10-minute spell, the 25-year-old was shown a yellow card for appearing to handle the ball into the Stones’ net, and then a second card for handling in his own penalty area.

The Stones took the lead from the resultant spot-kick and went on to claim all three points, and leave the Beavers still looking for their first win of the Ryman Premier season.

Chairman Gavin McPherson said Ledgister could face disciplinary action, describing the sending off as “crazy” and “unacceptable”.

However, Ledgister is adamant that the video footage, which the team was due to watch last night at training, will clear his name.

He said: “No-one is more disappointed than me. I am disappointed about being sent off, about leaving my team-mates playing with 10 men for so long and for giving away the penalty.

“I did not deliberately punch the ball in the goal, I went up for a cross and it would have been easier for me to head it in, but I was shoved from behind and my arm hit the ball, I was not even looking at it at the time.

“When I heard the whistle, I thought the ref was about to give a penalty.”

He added: “As for the one in our penalty area, I don’t remember the ball hitting my hand, I think it hit someone else.

“It was not a good day for me, but I can say there was no intention on my side to deliberate handle the ball.

McPherson said: “We felt we were well in the game and had every chance of getting three points until Joel did what he did.

“It was crazy and it cost us. We’re very disappointed by what happened and Joel knows that. We are currently discussing the next step, and what action to take.

“He has let everyone down, I felt very sorry for the players he left behind as he walked down the tunnel. Our chances went with him.”

The Beavers, currently 21st, host fellow strugglers Cray Wanderers this weekend, before the derby clash with Kingstonian on bank holiday Monday.