WORCESTER City manager John Barton said that Sam Bowen's sending-off changed the course of the game in Saturday's 4-1 FA Umbro Trophy defeat at Telford.

Bowen's 18th-minute dismissal came straight after City had gone a goal down.

Barton said: "All the work that we have done preparing for the game was thrown out of the window.

"We felt that we weren't going to be favourites to win the game, but we felt as if we would have some semblance of a chance. Following the sending-off we had to climb the Eiger to get anything from the game."

Barton was also critical of the way City's goals were conceded.

"From half-time we have conceded poor goals other than the fourth where we have pushed up and tried to get some respect and pride back into our performance."

Barton praised Worcester's 1,000 travelling fans for their support but added: "I felt as if we have let them down.But they were brilliant again and I am glad we have given them something to cheer about -- it has been a good cup run."