Jamie Day Pic: Keith Gillard

Player-boss Day set to miss trio of upcoming matches following lunging challenge

Welling United player-manager Jamie Day has expressed his disappointment after it was confirmed he will incur a three-match ban for his red card against Chelmsford City on Saturday.

The midfielder was sent off during the second half of the 1-1 draw between the Blue Square Bet South play-off rivals at Park View Road.

The Wings appealed against the red card issued by referee Daniel Cook, who considered Day’s challenge on Chelmsford goalscorer Max Cornhill to be dangerous.

But their claims fell on deaf ears as it was confirmed by the FA that his suspension will stand.

And the Welling chief admits he feels hard done by as he prepares to sit out games against Staines Town, Maidenhead United and Havant & Waterlooville this month.

Day said: “I was probably a bit late in the tackle but the player made a meal of it and I thought the visiting bench over-reacted.

“I don’t think the challenge was worthy of a red card and I’m still not convinced of that.

“It was a one-footed tackle that was a fraction late.

“However, the FA have dismissed our appeal and so I have to accept the three-game ban.

“Obviously I’m disappointed but we’ve got to get on with it.”

Day’s absence could provide new signing Scott Kinch with an opportunity to make his debut when the Wings visit Staines on Saturday.

Kinch captained Tonbridge Angels to promotion to the Blue Square Bet South last term and was considering a return to Cray Wanderers before Welling swooped.

Day said: “He’s a type of player we’ve not really signed in the past.

“He has a strong physical presence and puts himself about, so will add something to the side.

“He can also play at centre-half so we’ve got cover there if necessary.”

The draw with Chelmsford, which saw Loick Pires wipe out Cornhill’s opener before Day saw red, keeps the Wings in third place ahead of this weekend’s games.

Staines sit second bottom but have pulled off shock victories at Chelmsford and table-topping Woking over the last month.

Day said: “They’ve had some good results against the top sides recently, so we need to make sure we prepare properly for the game.”

Meanwhile, Day has confirmed his wish to sign a replacement for striker Andy Pugh, whose injury-delayed move to Cambridge United finally went through last week.

He said: “The situation dragged on a bit which didn’t help but we wish Andy well at his new club.

“I’m looking to add one or two more players to the squad and we definitely want to bring in one more striker to give ourselves a good chance of consolidating a play-off place.”