Kingstonian assistant boss Mark Hams has refused to defend debutant Jamie Beer after the midfielder wrecked Ks recent good disciplinary record with an x-rated tackle in Tuesday's 2-1 triumph at Croydon Athletic.

The former Leatherhead midfielder, who switched to the Kingsmeadow Stadium last week, saw red for a first-half challenge on former Ks man Gareth Graham - who also got his marching orders for his reaction.

Beer had six bookings to his name this season before quitting Fetcham Grove and looks set to be handed a three match ban in the wake of his latest transgression.

Hams had called for a more physical approach from his side ahead of the match, which saw a Dean Lodge strike and Bobby Traynor's penalty snatch a deserved three points.

But the assistant admitted Beer's challenge was a step too far.

"He was absolutely devastated in the dressing room. Some people tried to make excuses for him, but I can't defend him. It was a scandalous tackle," he said.

"We don't mind him picking up yellow cards for being passionate and committed because tackling is big part of his game, but we can't have stupid sendings off like that. The referee got it spot on."

The result ended a run of two straight league defeats and Hams conceded the return to winning ways has released the pressure on him and boss Alan Dowson.

"It was a massive relief for everyone. We feel the pressure more than most. A three match losing run would have been a disaster for a club as big as Ks," he added.