TOWN were today preparing their defence case for red-card victim Jonathan Worthington.

The club have three days to submit formal evidence after notifying the Football Association yesterday of their intention to appeal.

Worthington was dismissed in Sunday's FA Cup first round defeat at Accrington for what referee Mike Jones perceived to be a two-footed challenge on Stanley winger Rory Prendergast.

Town believe TV footage shows the Ellesmere Port official got it wrong and hope he and the FA will rescind the card and prevent Worthington - who became the seventh Town player to be sent-off this season - from missing upcoming matches against Mansfield, Cheltenham and Macclesfield.

"It's the worst sending-off I've ever seen and I'm just hoping the FA will limit some of the damage by making sure Worthy doesn't have to serve a suspension," said manager Peter Jackson.

"We thought it was a nothing of a challenge at the time and the replays show exactly that.

"We can't get the tie back, but we feel we have to appeal against this injustice and we hope the referee and FA disciplinary people support our case."

Jackson and club secretary Ann Hough had a lengthy meeting about the case before the players trained today.

"We are putting together a package of information and comment and, on the evidence which is clear, I believe we've got a great chance of getting the red card overturned," added Jackson.

Meanwhile, Town believe it could be next week before they hear of developments on loan man Lee Fowler.

The 20-year-old midfielder trained with Town until Friday but is now back at Coventry, where he is seeking a settlement on the remaining 18 months of his contract so he can move on.

Fowler is now unable to train with Town because he's officially on contract at the First Division club and is not insured to continue working at Storthes Hall.

While goalkeeper Ian Gray is not expecting to be back in action until the New Year after breaking bones in his right hand, Town hope Tony Carss (knee) will be fit and available for Saturday's clash with Hull.

Like Rob Edwards and winger John Thorrington, Carss is aiming to take part in a practice match on Thursday and be ready to fill the left wing-back slot - or a place in midfield - against the Division III leaders at the weekend.

Town Juniors have fixed their FA Youth Cup third round tie against West Ham United for Monday, December 3, with a 7pm kick-off.