Red cards hurt Swindon Town in defeat at Colchester

Assistant Marcus Bignot admitted James Ball’s first-half red card “changed the whole landscape of the game” as Swindon Town went on to lose 3-0 at Colchester.

The midfielder’s challenge in the 29^th minute at JobServe Stadium was deemed reckless by referee Paul Howard, who also sent off manager Ian Holloway during the contest.

Defeat means Swindon Town re now fifth in League Two, three points off the automatic promotion spots having played a game more than third-placed Cambridge United.

Bignot said: "We were disappointed to receive the red with James Ball. That changed the whole landscape of the game, getting that sending off.

"It was a disappointing evening to get the two red cards, and even more disappointing with the result.

"When you look at it, they started really well, hit the crossbar a couple of times, hit the woodwork a couple of times, and they did really well.

"But we grew into the game, and you just wanted to get in at half time at nil-nil, knowing the group of players with how we finish games.

"There was one or two things that we were going to do differently, which I am sure would have helped us to get the three points, but the red card changed the whole landscape of the game.”

Next up for Town is a home clash against Accrington on Saturday (12.30pm).

(Picture: Swindon Town FC official YouTube channel)