NEIL Lennon hopes authorities will see sense and spare him a one-match ban for being sent to the stands in his first game in charge.

The Wanderers boss plans to appeal any potential suspension after being sent from the touchline in the 1-0 victory over Birmingham City for persistently leaving his technical area.

Fourth official Amy Fearn called referee Mark Haywood to the dugouts with 10 minutes remaining to report “consistent infringement” as Wanderers prepared to take a penalty.

Lennon insists there was “nothing sinister” about his actions and that he had simply been trying to get a message on to captain Jay Spearing to take the spot kick, which was eventually missed by Craig Davies.

The Whites boss was forced to watch the remainder of the game – where his side faced 10 men and an outfield keeper thanks to Darren Randolph’s sending off - from the director’s box.

Despite the drama, Wanderers hung on for only their second win of the season to lift themselves off the foot of the Championship table.

Lennon pleaded no major wrongdoing and hopes that fourth official Fearn and referee Haywood take a lenient view in their report, which will be submitted to the Football Association.

“It was nothing but over-exuberance on my part,” he said. “There was nothing sinister about it at all.

“Maybe I need to learn the ways down here but I think it was harsh.”

Lennon was escorted towards the tunnel by stewards but lingered just long enough to see Davies balloon the penalty over the bar.

Wanderers hung on to the points courtesy of Matt Mills’ thundering first-half header but the game did not make comfortable viewing for the new boss from his elevated position.

“I was still trying to watch the penalty – and then that really put me in a bad mood,” he said. “I’m not going to criticise Craig because normally he puts his foot through it.

“I’ve seen plenty of penalties missed and I’d rather him have missed one like that than side-footed one into the goalkeeper’s midriff. But he’s off them!

“I kept getting frustrated that they were giving the ball away.

“We had players to carry the ball and just pick them off but we got a little bit anxious, trying to force things through the middle instead of keeping it and working it, slowing things down.

“But ultimately it’s a big week, a win away from home and a clean sheet so I’m delighted.”

Lennon also paid tribute to a large travelling support at St Andrew’s.

“I’m delighted for Phil Gartside and Mr (Eddie) Davies because we’ve been on a terrible run and there are 2,000 people who backed the team from start to finish. I’m glad they will go home happy,” he added.