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Ben Tozer (right) is shown red by referee Michael Oliver

BEN Tozer experienced the highs and lows of professional football yesterday after a dream start to his Tuesday ended in a Carlisle United nightmare.

Town's 17-year-old starlet was met by national papers linking him with a £1million move to Everton over his cornflakes but, after his first senior red card and a 3-0 drubbing, his Premiership dreams were a long way from his mind on a six-hour coach journey home.

The young defender, who spent the early part of last week impressing on trial at Goodison Park, has been a revelation since breaking into the senior squad but suffered his first real setback as a lively Carlisle out-played a beleaguered Town.

His dismissal for a professional foul on 63 minutes had no bearing on the result, and seemed harsh with referee Michael Oliver at first waving play on, with the damage already done as he and his teammates were torn apart at will.

The few hardy souls who had made the marathon trip up north were met with free woolly hats and a ticket for the clash with Hartlepool later this month, but even that would have done little to ease the misery.

As Preston loanee Joe Anyinsah grabbed a brace and former Blackburn man Joe Garner also in on the act, Tozer was the first to admit he had just been handed a real footballing lesson.

To be fair to the youngster he was not the only one, far from it, but a disappointed Tozer vowed afterwards to return stronger from the experience.

He said: "Carlisle were definitely a very good side but it was a big learning curve for me.

"I have just started playing for the first team and I know I have a lot to learn.

"Garner was a good player but to be honest I know I should have done better. I am better than that and that is disappointing.

"Everyone was disappointed with how they played.

"I need to get my head up though and carry on playing and see what happens after that. I won't let one bad performance ruin everything."

With an already severely depleted squad, Byrne and Ady Williams opted to recall Andy Nicholas at left back and to push Miguel Comminges into midfield.

Simon Cox also returned to the starting line-up, partnering Billy Paynter up front, but with just one shot on target all game Town were unarguably second best all over the pitch.

WIth wide man Anyinsah and Simon Hackney causing havoc down the flanks all evening and Garner masterful in attack, Carlisle showed why they are flying high in League One with the result never in doubt.

Anyinsah drilled home before and after the break to give United a commanding lead while Garner's power header, after Tozer's dismissal, just rubbed salt into the already gaping wound.

Tozer saw red when he tangled with Garner although referee Oliver had waved play on before his assistant, who was further from the incident, signalled a foul.

"I don't think it was a sending off," said Tozer. "Even the ref has said no but then got overruled by his linesman."

Byrne and Williams will know their squad options are becoming increasingly limited, with Tozer the latest to join a crippling injury and suspension list, but an improvement from their available players is needed.

The entire squad deserve the world of credit for their reaction to what has been a turbulent season and there is no doubt the spirit and will is there in abundance to bounce back.

10:25am Wednesday 5th December 2007

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