Newark & Sherwood manager Romaine Graham on red card for Marley Fearon in 1-1 United Counties League draw at Skegness

Newark & Sherwood boss Romaine Graham says Marley Fearon must learn from his sending-off at Skegness.

Fearon was shown successive yellow cards, resulting in his dismissal, in the closing stages of Saturday’s keenly-fought 1-1 draw.

He was booked for delaying a free-kick and immediately cautioned again for allegedly kicking out at an opponent.

Graham felt Skegness played their part in the decision but Fearon gave the referee a decision to make.

“I thought it was extremely harsh,” said Graham. “Skegness are very good at getting players sent off.

“Marley’s been booked for standing on the ball and not letting them take a quick free-kick and then the other player’s come and got in his face.

“They said he’d kicked out but I don’t think he’s even touched him. He’s made a meal of it.

“Marley gave the referee a decision to make and that referee will make that decision, so he’s just got to learn from it.

“I’m finding that as a gaffer, I probably pay a bit more attention when we come across certain refs, and I know what to expect.”

Kieran Cummings gave the Highwaymen a fourth-minute lead with his 20th goal of the season.

It was his first goal since the end of October and puts him halfway towards his target of 40.

“He’s bang on track for 40 and I think he’ll get there,” said Graham.

“He took his goal well but even when he wasn’t scoring, he was assisting and making good runs.

“He’ll catch fire again and kick on.”

Skegness equalised just after the hour mark and it finished 1-1 after Fearon was sent off in added time.

The draw left United 10th in United Counties League Premier Division North, seven points off the play-offs, with games in hand on the sides above them.

“We started well and went a goal ahead, then we kind of sat back and they grew into the game,” said Graham.

“I think because we were so comfortable with whatever they threw at us, psychologically we decided to sit back and soak up pressure.

“We did that comfortably, we had control, even though they had more of the ball, and then they had a lucky break with their goal. It was a bit of a nothing game, to be honest.

“Before going up there I’d have been happy with a point but I’m slightly disappointed we didn’t get more because I think we’re good enough to go there and win.”

Newark & Sherwood visit Melton this Saturday (3pm) and travel to Bourne on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

They’re two sides Graham rates highly, having seen his team lose to both at home already this season.

“I couldn’t think of a tougher run of games,” he said.

“Melton are just a really good Step 5 side, they’re always in and around it.

“They move the ball well on their 3G pitch and they’ve got dangerous players.

“Bourne are on fire at the moment and they beat Eastwood at the weekend.

“It’s a testing period for us but I can’t wait to play these games.

“We’ve got Heanor the following weekend and they’re no mugs either.”