LOUIS Langdown was brimming with pride after his nine-strong side held tight for a 1-1 draw at Winchester City on Monday.

But, with mighty league leaders Taunton Town due to visit the Total Branding Community Stadium on Saturday (3pm), the Stags could have done without losing red-carded duo Dave Allen and Ian Oliver to suspension.

While even Allen had to admit that Monday was “not my proudest moment in an AFC Totton shirt” after instantly following one yellow card with a second for dissent, Oliver’s dismissal was a bitter pill to swallow.

Manager Louis Langdown was adamant the left-back's challenge on City’s Joe Hayward did not warrant a straight red and, with video evidence available, the club are weighing up the possibility of an appeal.

Reflecting on the double dismissal, he said: “We put Dave (Allen) in there for his experience as we felt we missed that little bit of know-how against Salisbury (a 3-1 Boxing Day defeat) and he’s been pushing for a league start, so it’s disappointing for our skipper to be sent off for two yellows in the same incident. We hold our hands up and Dave will be more disappointed than anyone.

“But I am really aggrieved with Ian Oliver’s sending off. We are going to lose him for three games now after what was realistically a block tackle. The reactions of their bench, their fans and their players is what has got him sent off.

“Ian is not that sort of player. It wasn’t high, it was on the ground, but late. It didn’t warrant a red card. The ref felt it was excessive force, but I’m not too sure what else Ian or any player is meant to do when going for a 50-50.”

Disappointment, though, was outweighed by immense pride at how Totton’s nine remaining players – average age 20/21 – held strong against a City side who ultimately ran out of ideas.

“What you saw there was a team that were together and a team that are willing to work,” said Langdown.

“They are not a reckless crew. They are young, but they will mix it if teams want to mix it. I was pleased with them, they stood up well and learned from Boxing Day."

Saturday's game with be Totton’s third against Taunton this season, having lost a tight league encounter 2-1 in Somerset and taken the Peacocks to an FA Trophy replay.

“We’re due something against them,” said Langdown, who has midfielder Jack Masterton back from sickness. “We look forward to this one because it’s a free hit.”

Taunton have welcomed in two New Year's signings - striker Craig Veal returning to the Viridor Stadium and defender Toby Down joining from Exeter City.

The pair will help soften the blow of losing striker Omar Simpson, Australia-bound wideman Ross Staley, and retired centre-back Matt Villis, while defenders Ben Adelsbury and Shane White are both suspended.

The Stags are again in home action on Tuesday against Paulton Rovers (7.45pm).