WREXHAM will enlist the support of HTV's Soccer Sunday programme in a bid to clear Darren Ferguson of the 'violent conduct' that brought about his sendingoff at the weekend.

The Dragons' skipper was shown a straight red card by referee Scott Mathieson in the 63rd minute against Kidderminster Harriers for apparently stamping on John Melligan, but television footage of the incident suggests that the official may have got it wrong.

Ferguson Sent Off

"We are going to appeal against the dismissal," said Racecourse boss Denis Smith yesterday. "I took it for granted that the referee was right until I saw the television highlights on Sunday. 

"I have to admit that our own video, which the referee has a copy of, does not look too good but one of the HTV angles shows clearly that Darren went for and played the ball.

"We will be contacting HTV and the Welsh FA to try and get this footage to the referee and hope that after seeing it he will reconsider his decision."

Smith said it was ironic that TV evidence could be used to punish Liverpool's Steve Gerrard for his two-footed stamp on Everton's Gary Naysmith during Sunday's Merseyside derby, which was missed by the match officials.

"It looks as though Gerrard will get done by video evidence while we are hoping that the video will exonerate Darren. If he gets a three-match ban for stamping on the ball it does not really seem fair," he added.

Goalkeeper Paul Whitfield is set to have exploratory knee surgery on Friday to determine the extent of the injury that forced him to miss Saturday's match.

The youngster's 10-match run in the senior side was halted before the kickoff when he fell awkwardly during the warm-up and immediately knew he had a problem.

"It was a routine goalkeeping exercise but I caught my studs in the grass and as I went over I heard a crack," he said yesterday. "I've been to see a surgeon today and he wants to go in and have a look on Friday. 

"An X-ray of my knee has revealed there is no bone damage, so it's likely to be the cartilage and if an operation is necessary I'm looking at around four weeks before I can start training again."

Whitfield left the Racecourse on crutches on Saturday evening and, despite a course of anti-inflammatory drugs and constant ice-packs, said he was in more pain yesterday than at the time he did the damage.

Kristian Rogers took over between the posts for the 2-0 home defeat and is on stand-by to continue at Rochdale on Boxing Day, although Smith could decide that Andy Dibble, whose knee injury in October gave Whitfield his chance, is ready to return.

The Dragons' boss said: "Andy is short of match practice but he is fit to play. He trained today and we'll have more of a practice match tomorrow."

Defender Dan Bennett, who is flying back from Singapore following his country's exit from the Tiger Cup tournament, has staked a claim to play at Spot-land, even though his flight is not due in until the morning of the game.

"He's been in touch to say he'll be back in time for the game," said Smith. 

"But he will just have come off the plane so it's hardly an ideal preparation. He could go on the bench at a push but, again, that's a decision I don't have to make for a couple of days."

Denis Smith

I have to admit that our own video, which the referee has a copy of, does not look too good but one of the HTV angles shows clearly that Darren went for and played the ball.