MIDFIELDER John Sweeney is to appeal his red-carding in Kilbirnie Ladeside's home clash with Girvan on Saturday.

The club are backing the player, saying it was a "harsh" decision.

And they say this picture, taken by our photographer John Keachie, appears to back up their case.

Referee Stephen Brown sent the player off for what he deemed a high challenge on Girvan skipper Scott Dinwoodie a minute into the second half of the Super Premier Division match, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Ladeside manager Budgie McGhie said: "The referee said that the player caught his opponent and used excessive force. But it was a harsh decision and there wasn't much contact. The Girvan bench also felt it was unfair. If it was a red card I would first to tell the boy. He is planning to appeal and the club will support him."

Added secretary Gordon Ronney: "John is supposed to have gone in with studs showing but you can see that didn't happen. He is appealing and were fully support him. We are not criticising the referee, the player accepted the decision and walked off. We are just saying we feel it was harsh."

The case will be heard by SJFA beaks on September 12, with the club hoping the player escapes a two to three-game ban and he can play in the next two games.

Meanwhile McGhie could take some positives from the game and said: "Girvan are a well-organised team. We had chances and would like to have won the game. But we have still taken six points from our first two matches.

"We are at Rob Roy on Saturday and that will be difficult, but we are looking to take something from the game."

Meanwhile Beith manager Johnny Millar was delighted with his side's display as they hammered league champions and Scottish Junior Cup holders Glenafton Athletic 5-0 in a Premier Division match.

It was their second straight win.

The boss said: "I didn't expect that kind of win but we just took our chances and the game was won at half-time. Ross McPherson played well and got three goals, he now has 11 already. Once you get two or three in front you are in a good position."

Saturday sees Beith heading to Clydebank for a league match.

He added: "We have to take it a game at a time but we are looking to go there and get three points. I will have a look at them in a semi-final on Wednesday night.

"Last year in the league we needed to turn draws into victories but we didn't.

"I think we can challenge for the title - we were third last year and only lost two league matches but Glenafton won it fair and square. We have strengthened the team from last

season."