KENNY Mayers has been banned for three matches as no video evidence was available to support Kendal's view that the ace striker was wrongly dismissed during the game against Clitheroe.

UniBond League rules now require video evidence to be supplied within three days to support any appeal. Manager Tony Hesketh said it was unfair on non-league clubs like Town to lose their right of appeal because, unlike the Football League sides, they did not routinely video their matches.

In his report, of which the club has a copy, referee Colin Bainbridge said the Clitheroe player was holding on to the ball, but that Mayers was dismissed for violent conduct as he elbowed him as he wrestled the ball from him.

Club secretary Craig Campbell said: "Holding on to the ball is a bookable offence, but the referee did nothing about that. We are far from satisfied with his refereeing and we are writing an offical letter of complaint to the FA."

Meanwhile the club is hoping that the blow to its league campaign can be softened by a good performance in the first round of the President's Cup next Tuesday evening.

If Town can at least draw against UniBond Premier League side Bishop Auckland, it will sop up two matches of the three in which Mayers cannot play.

A win would also be beneficial as the second round tie away to Leek Town is scheduled for January 22.

Mayers will, however, have to sit out Saturday's home game against Ilkeston Town.

That match will be a tough test as Ilkeston, second in the First Division table, will be seeking revenge for the 3-1 defeat on their own ground on December 11.

"The referee's opinion that Mayers elbowed an opponent is a sad indictment on the big fellow, because he certainly did not do that," said Hesketh.

"Kenny's disciplinary record is good, he has not missed a game this season, but we will have to plan and play without him."

And Hesketh revealed that:"Lee Mulvaney, who was one of our loan targets has been put on the transfer list by Southport and there have been two or three bids for him, so we can cross him off.

"Peter Wright, of Altricham, was another target, but his manager said he would prefer to have him around on Saturdays and just having him for midweek would not be much good for us.

"There are one or two other irons in the fire, but it may be a case of making do with what we have.

"Saturday's scoreline flattered Telford, but we must not hide from the fact that we did not defend well. Three mistakes led to goals and the other was direct from a free-kick when it was said that Nigel Taylor had handled when he had not.

"Yet we must not lose sight of the fact that we had seven or eight good chances ourselves. Their goalkeeper was the man of the match by far and the score line could have been six apiece.

"It's a big game with Ilkeston after losing two league games on the trot and we have got to make sure our blip for the season is not prolonged.

"We need to keep in touch with the leading pack as we still have aspirations of making the play-offs. I think we are good enough.

"We will lose games, but it is how you respond to those defeats that matters."