COLWYN Bay have appealed the controversial red card given to keeper Matt Cooper in their 4-1 defeat at table-topping South Shields.

The Seagulls put in a spirited display despite being down to ten men for more than an hour against the Evo-Stik North title favourites, and Alan Morgan’s side face another huge week as they look to secure a coveted playoff place.

They begin with a home clash against Scarborough Athletic on Tuesday, before welcoming Clitheroe to Llanelian Road on Saturday (3pm).

Morgan, said: “The lad has grabbed hold of Kyle Jacobs to get in front of him before going down so if anything it should have a free kick to us.

“I can take getting beat if it is fair and square, that’s fine, but not when there has been such big decisions.

“The lad has been clever as well (for the sending off), but we lose our keeper and could be without him for crucial games through suspension. We will try everything we can to get it overturned.

“The second half was different class. After getting a goal back we felt we might get something from the game, but the penalty decision was a killer.”

Gavin Cogdon put the home side ahead after just five minutes, before Cooper received his marching orders and to make matters worse former Sunderland man Julio Arca despatched the resulting free-kick past reserve stopper Kris Leigh on 24.

The host continued to press and notched a third on 37 minutes when Darren Lough notched his first goal for the club, but Bay got themselves back into the clash a minute before the break when Danny Andrews took his tally for the season to double figures.

After the break saw the away side put in a spirited effort but had nothing to show for it as Robert Briggs converted from the spot on 56 minutes to round off the scoring.