JONATHAN Smith has defended himself following his controversial sending off against Burscough which saw the end of Stanley's 14 game unbeaten run.

The tall defender was shown the red card after just 20 minutes for a second bookable offence.

But he and his team-mates felt it was a harsh decision in a game which the Reds eventually lost 3-2.

"I couldn't believe it. I was booked for initially acting as the peacemaker between one of their players and Simon Carden.

"I got in between them and tried to push them apart with my hands on their chest and the linesman started flagging. The referee then came over to me and said I had raised my arms.

"The lad had also clipped me on my head in retaliation but I didn't make a big deal of that.

"I was disappointed with the yellow card and then 30 seconds later I went in for a tackle, it probably was a foul, and the referee showed me a red. I thought he could have been a bit more lenient.

"I was shocked as it's only the second time in my three year career at Accrington that I have been sent off.

"All the lads were asking what it was for.

"The lads did well after that and went 1-0 up but it was such a shame that the 14-game unbeaten run had to come to an end.

"I didn't feel the usual guilt you feel as I didn't feel that responsible. I didn't feel it was my fault and felt that it was harsh."

The one yellow would have pushed Smith over the limit for bookings but the red means he will definitely miss the UniBond Cup quarter-final at home to Emley.

"I am absolutely gutted about that. I haven't missed a game all season. I want to play in them all and now I'm disappointed that I will miss the Cup game.

"It would be great if we could win a cup this year, as we are in the Marsden Trophy as well and so it is frustrating to be sitting out a game."

Boss John Coleman blames himself for the fact the ten-men didn't hold onto the lead.

"I felt Jonathan was unlucky but then I got it wrong. When we went 1-0 up I should have put a defender on but I got carried away by our recent success and thought we could still attack.

"I had Paul Howarth on the bench and even though he hasn't played for around seven weeks, he was an option. By the time they had scored the goals it was too late.

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but I will learn from my mistakes."

He won't make the same mistake tonight when they travel to Hyde in the UniBond Premier League as they look to keep the pressure on at the top.

"It is a big game. I saw them against Burton and they were unlucky to lose 2-1. They have beat Burscough and Gateshead and have Dominic Crooks in defence, former Stockport man Kevin Leadbetter up front, and Simon Hughes another good player. They have some quality but so have we.

"It will be different playing on Friday night, we don't mind. They think it boosts their crowds and we will take a few so there should be a good crowd.

"The only problem is that I will now be home in time for Pop Idols on Saturday and I will have to watch it!"

Stanley's regular back four who have helped them go on the run has been broken up as central defender Steve Hollis damaged his cartilage prior to the Burscough game - the extent is not yet known.

Paul Burns is still getting back to match fitness after injury and looks likely to fill in. Defender Robbie Williams played for the reserves and could feature while striker Mark Shirley is still too far off with a calf strain.

There is a bet going on between Stanley's Steven Flitcroft and Jonathan Smith.

Midfielder Flitcroft has bet defender Smith that he will score more goals that him this season. The current tally is six to Flitty and eight to Smith.

"The only problem is Flitty provides the corners for me from which I usually score so if it gets tight at the end I don't know what will happen!" laughed Smith.