Pratt says: I’ve let everyone down

5:40pm Friday 22nd February 2008

CHIPPENHAM Town forward David Pratt has spoken of his regret after he was sent off against promotion rivals King's Lynn last Saturday.

Pratt received the first red card of his career after he punched Ben Sedgmore in the closing minutes of the crucial Southern League clash.

The former Swindon Supermarine forward will miss games against Rugby Town, Merthyr Tydfil and Bedford Town as a result of the dismissal.

The Bluebirds striker said he reacted angrily because he was caught up in the moment.

Pratt said: "It was a rush of blood and it was out of character for me personally. I didn't really think about the consequences and to do that was just silly.

"The disappointing thing is I'm going to be banned for three games when I had just settled into playing up front with Sean.

"I was getting consistency into my game and now that's happened. It's not fair on the team and I've let them down more than myself."

The Chippenham striker said he believed Sedgmore deliberately blasted the ball against Matthew McEntagert.

Pratt said: "It was unprovoked and there was no need for it to begin with.

"I was stood in front of him and I asked him why he did it. He punched me in the stomach and the ref caught me and didn't see him.

"I don't know what he was trying to do, maybe he was trying to rattle us.

Maybe he wanted a bit of conflict to get us on edge."

The Bluebirds forward said him and his team-mates had not given up on finishing top this season.

Pratt said: "There's still 13 games to play and there's a lot of points on the table.

"If we get a good run together now, a lot of the teams have to play each other so you never know.

"All season we've been trying to concentrate on our own game and look after ourselves. Anything could happen, no one is cemented."

Pratt has hit five goals in the last four games and said he was very happy with his contribution.

Pratt said: "The goals have been coming after we had that little spell of 0-0s and to get the goals is very pleasing."