Larry Chambers: Red card changed the game for AFC Telford
Assistant boss Larry Chambers admitted Jonathan Royle's sending off changed the game as Telford crashed out the FA Cup with defeat to Worcester.
City ran out 3-1 winners in a second qualifying round replay held at the New Bucks Head last night – with the tie taking place after two teams played out a 0-0 draw on Saturday.
The Bucks dominated the game for the opening hour and took the lead with a spectacular Dave Hibbert goal.
But the tie was turned on its head in the second half when Royle picked up second yellow card for pulling the shirt of Tyler Weir.
And assistant boss Chambers, who spoke to the media instead of manager Rob Smith, conceded that was the point momentum swung in the visitors favour.
"The sending off has changed the game without a shadow of a doubt," he said
"We worked hard first half to get ourselves into a winning position. And we came out second half, started well and had two really good chances to make it 2-0.
"But the sending off has turned the game on its head. The pressure started to tell and I don't think we coped very well when it was 10v11.
"We didn't keep our shape well or keep the ball well with 10 men. But prior to that we were comfortable and I don't think they were causing us any problems. I thought we'd go on and win the game two or three nil."
Chambers admitted Royle was despondent in the dressing room following his dismissal.
"Jon is a young lad and he has to learn the hard way," Chambers continued.
"We spoke to him about his booking at half-time. We told him not to make any silly decisions.
"We said if there are any tackles you don't need to make – don't make them.
"I don't think he had to make the tackle he made and he has given the referee a decision to make. "He has put himself in that position and we knew straight away it was a booking.
Before his dismissal Royal was having one of his best games in a Telford shirt since joining on loan from Southport.
"He had done well up until that point and played his part in the goal," Chambers added.
"But in football you have to do it for 90 minutes. He was in the dressing room with his head in his hands because he knows he has cost us. There is no other way to put it."
