EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry has refused to blame Rickie Hayles for his recent flurry of red cards, with a defensive crisis looming.

Hayles was dismissed for the third consecutive match in the 3-2 defeat to Staines Town on Saturday, having also been sent for an early shower in the FA Cup win at Yaxley and the defeat against Hendon.

The run is even more remarkable considering the 31-year-old had only ever been sent off once before in his career.

And Coventry says, with Simon Peddie’s work commitments and Ryan Scott also walking a disciplinary tightrope, his options at the back are limited.

“He has been really unlucky,” he said. “The red against Yaxley I can understand but the one on Saturday was unfortunate. They have hit the bar and the lad has tripped over his own feet as Rickie closed in.

“But there is no point appealing as it costs £125 and the FA asks for clear video evidence. But we don’t have unlimited TV cameras here.

“I am fortunate that, for the first time in a number of years, I have four centre-halves I can choose from. But Ryan Scott is on four yellow cards and will be suspended if he gets another and Simon Peddie often has work commitments.

“We have Ben Wood as well so I am not going to get another defender in as we may have four available centre-backs in the weeks to come.”

Hayles will now miss the next six games, and will be banned until Rocks visit Bognor Regis on Saturday, October 17.

All three of Rocks’ defeats this term have coincided with red cards for East Thurrock, with them struggling in 19th position in the Ryman Premier League.

And Coventry says it is no secret that if his side can keep 11 men on the pitch they will stand a better chance of winning games.

“In the last four-and-a-half hours of football, we have only had 11 men on the pitch for two hours.

“League position means nothing in September. We are still in the FA Cup and things will definitely improve, I assure you of that.”