PETER Cavanagh admitted he was 'devastated' to be sent off after just 45 minutes of Stanley's Lancashire FA Marsden trophy victory over Barrow last night.

The Reds skipper saw red for a second bookable offence during the 2-0 win at Christie Park.

Former Liverpool trainee Cavanagh had been booked in the second minute for a tackle on Wayne Bullimore and then saw red in first half stoppage time as he tried to stop Barrow breaking away.

At that stage, Stanley were 1-0 thanks to Cavanagh who set up Paul Mullin for the opener.

"I was elated to set up the first goal but devastated to be sent off.

"When the second goal went in I think I jumped the highest, I was so relieved," said the captain, who was by that stage was watching from the stands.

"I think the Barrow player conned the referee for the second booking. I don't think I deserved to be sent off.

"But when I saw the referee running towards me I knew that was it, that I was off. I couldn't believe it."

Cavanagh then had to endure a half-time team talk where he wouldn't feature.

"John (Coleman) didn't say anything to me about it, he just told the players to concentrate on the positives and to keep going.

"I then had to go and sit in the stands, I wasn't allowed near the pitch, and it wasn't nice watching.

"But the lads did really well and a special mention must go to Russell Payne who worked really hard.

"And I was glad I could go up and pick up the cup. I asked Paul Mullin (the vice captain) if he wanted to do it together but he wouldn't have it.

"He told me to go up and it was an honour."