KEITH Hill reckons Josh Earl’s red card at Accrington was unjust – but did not explain Wanderers’ subsequent capitulation.

The on-loan Preston North End defender was given his marching orders in the 15th minute after Daryl Murphy had put Bolton a goal to the good.

He was penalised by Cumbrian ref Anthony Backhouse for pulling the shirt of Dion Charles as he turned in the box and, by the letter of the law, his inability to challenge for the ball was enough to warrant the award of a penalty and a red card.

Hill feels the punishment was harsh but that did not mask his disappointment that his side had failed to adapt with 10 men.

“I don’t think it should have been given as a red card but the way the opponent got into the box was too easy,” he said. “Maybe it was an overreaction from the officials but we really didn’t deal with going down to 10 men. I expect better, I demanded better but I didn’t get it.

“He has not done an awful lot wrong, he gave a penalty away and got sent off. And I don’t believe he should have been sent off.

“We felt massive consequences of being down to 10 men and being in League One. Last week was superb, I didn’t sense anyone getting above their station but you come to Accrington you have to be better than them at the simple stuff – determination, respect, responsibility. That goes for every player on the pitch and probably the staff included.”