MARTIN GRAY agreed with the referee’s decision to dismiss goalkeeper Peter Jameson yesterday, and is already looking to bring in a replacement for the duration of his suspension.

The 23-year-old saw red midway through the second half of Darlington’s 2-0 defeat at AFC Telford when the game was goalless, conceding a penalty and sent from the field of play for violent conduct after clashing with David Hibbert.

As Jameson attempted to collect a headed back-pass, the striker aggressively challenged the keeper who retaliated by motioning his head towards Hibbert and leaving little option for referee Declan Bourne but to flash a red.

Quakers’ manager could be regarded as an expert in such matters. He was known in his playing days for having the capacity to provoke an angry reaction from opposition players - Swansea’s Walter Boyd was sent off within moments of being sent on as a sub after a clash with Gray – and says his player should not have reacted to Hibbert’s challenge.

“It’s a sending off. He put his head in the player’s face so it’s a sending off,” said the boss, who substituted Josh Gillies with back-up keeper Mark Bell to replace Jameson.

“I don’t have to watch the video to know what happened, he knows what he’s done and he’ll now miss three games.

“Why put your head into someone’s face? It’s poor discipline. Their lad has done his job well, he’s upset Peter, stood on his feet or something, and it’s a red card, no question.

“I couldn’t understand how it became a penalty, unless that’s a new ruling, as Peter had his hands on the ball. So it was a sending off and a penalty.”

Jameson’s three-match suspension means he will miss the FA Trophy tie next Sunday against Marine at Heritage Park, plus a replay if required. He will also be unavailable for the home game with Salford City on December 3.

Asked what strength of team he will field against Marine, Gray said: “The strongest team we’ve got. But we’ll need to find a goalkeeper.”