TOM Holdstock must learn from his “stupid” sending off against Whitton United.

That’s the view of Seasiders boss David Coyle, after seeing his team reduced to ten men in Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest at the Rush Green Bowl.

Holdstock received two bookings - the first for a needless altercation with Whitton’s goalkeeper.

Then, after the break, he chopped down an opponent - despite the referee having already blown up for a foul - leaving the official with no choice but to brandish a red card.

“Tom was sent off in stupid circumstances and it killed all our momentum,” said Coyle.

“He plays on the edge and is quite a feisty character.

“We know that and that’s what we like about him.

“He’s always going to get a booking or two, because of the way he plays. I can deal with that.

“However, if you do play like that, you can’t afford to pick up silly bookings, like his one in the first half.

“Then for his second it was a heavy challenge and the referee had already blown for the free-kick.

“He’s gutted because he knows he let everyone down.

“It’s hurt his chances of staying in the team and our chances of having our best players on he pitch.”

The sending off had further repercussions as Coyle was forced to bring on his only other attacking player, Kevin.

He had hoped not to risk him, given that he was carrying a minor injury.

Coyle junior then suffered a nasty head injury, having taken a blow from behind, and was forced to gingerly head back to the dressing room “seeing stars”.

However, the club reported later in the evening that there was no lasting damage.