WINCHESTER City’s Adam Tomasso has been hit with a four-match ban after being sent off for retaliation against Bishops Cleeve last weekend.

The defender had only been on the field seven minutes, as a substitute for injured right-back Dan Williamson, when he fell victim to a nasty tackle from Cleeve’s Jack Watts.

Both players saw straight red and Tomasso faces a four-game absence because he had already been sent off once this season for two bookable offences.

On the one hand, Winchester boss Craig Davis feels Tomasso “only has himself to blame” for retaliating.

But, having seen the incident back on video, he believes the punishment is a tad harsh.

“By the letter of the law it was retaliation of sorts and he shouldn't have done it, but it was an horrific tackle on him and Ads has just flicked a foot and their lad’s rolling around on the floor,” he said.

With wideman Simba Mlambo not quite ready to return from a shoulder injury and Williamson (hamstring) and Liam Gilbert (chest infection) both doubtful, Winchester will be pleased to welcome back central defender Josh Harfield for Saturday's trip to Yate Town in the Evo-Stik South West.

Davis had also hoped to draft recent signing Declan McCarthy – son of former City owner Paul – into the squad, but the midfielder was injured in Tuesday’s 4-1 Southampton Senior Cup win over Nursling, which was settled by goals from Riccardo Andrady and 16-year-olds Ben Sunley, Josh McCormick and Josh Corner.

McCarthy, a Gosport Borough player last season, was previously on AFC Bournemouth’s books.

“Declan needed games before we’d consider him and he’d played a couple for the reserves,” said Davis.

“Tuesday was his third game, but he got battered in a tackle and ended up with two of the worst cut legs I’ve ever seen, so he’s got to be doubtful. Declan’s a nice lad and a good footballer with pedigree.”

Saturday's hosts Yate sit 15th, six points adrift of Winchester in eighth.

“They’re flying at the minute,” said Davis. “They beat Swindon Supermarine (2-0) on Saturday and won 5-1 at Slimbridge on Wednesday.”

Winchester can take confidence from last weekend when a stoppage-time Oli Bailey goal nicked them a 2-1 win in the 10 v 10 battle with Bishops Cleeve.