WITHAM Town manager Adam Flint insists his team do not have discipline issues despite seeing them pick up a fourth red card in nine games.

Lance Akins’ sending off at the end of Witham’s 1-0 Bostik League division north defeat by Mildenhall last weekend followed dismissals for Alex Anderson, Liam Whipps and Ryan Imbert already this season, but Flint feels any perception that his team are indisciplined would be wrong.

The Town boss said: “It was unfortunate for Lance.

“The keeper came out for a through ball but it went through him and as he turned round to dive on the ball, Lance kicked it and caught the keeper.

“He got a straight red for it, but it wasn’t as if he brought him down.

“It didn’t affect the result and you can’t say we didn’t win the game because of it, but it was unfortunate.

“It does mean we’ve had four players sent off this season now, though.

“People looking in may say that we have discipline issues but that’s not the case.

“It’s just a run of bad luck.

“It’s not as if we have players mouthing off at the referee or anything like that - Lance’s came as he half-heartedly kicked out to try to get a loose ball.

“I can’t blame the referee for his decision but it wasn’t a bad tempered game and there were no bookings at all.”

Witham were back in action with a Velocity Trophy round one tie at Soham Town Rangers on Tuesday and exited after a penalty shootout.

They are now due to be back in the league on Saturday when they will have revenge on their minds as they travel to Ware - the side who knocked them out of the FA Cup at the start of this month.

Flint added: “We’re definitely looking for revenge as we felt we should have got something there in the FA Cup.

“We need to go to Ware with a desire and make sure we are working them harder as they were good at pressing us all over the field in the cup tie.

“It’s a tough place to go as the pitch has a slope on it and you have to win the mental battle when you’re playing uphill.”

The Town boss said striker Ryan Imbert would be back for the trip to Ware and he was also hoping that Sam Ashford may be available after a hip problem.

“We had Sam on the bench against Mildenhall but we are having to be careful with him,” said Flint.

“He has had physio on his injury and has exercises to help solve the problem as it is with his hip.

“Hopefully he can step it up now.

“He was brilliant in pre-season and got a goal in almost every game so we’re really excited to have him.

“Ryan Imbert will definitely be back for the game at Ware and we’re hoping Sam will be OK as well.”