CHELMSFORD City caretaker manager Kevin Maher is convinced the Clarets can stave or the threat of relegation.

City ended their match against Margate with nine men as skipper Mark Hughes and Jason Williams were sent off in the 3-2 defeat.

Maher was critical of referee Josh Smith’s performance but has turned his thoughts to Saturday’s National League South game at Weston-super-Mare.

Chelmsford are one place ahead of their hosts in the table but only on goal difference, with both teams one point above the relegation zone.

“I don’t think we are far off,” said Maher. “I think we will win games if we turn up like that (against Margate).

“Something things you can’t help; referees you can’t help, but I think we will be fine. We are going to lose Hughesy and Jason for three games but we will look at that.

“The group of players we have are all pulling together for the club and I’m sure we’ll pick up results. We go again and we'll keep working hard.”

Chelmsford had seen their previous two league matches postponed but took the lead through Jack Bridge’s header after three minutes. But Margate equalised through Nathan Green before Freddie Ladapo’s header put the Kent side in front.

Jason Williams equalised from the penalty spot after Bridge was brought down. Hughes was sent off for a late tackle on Luke Moore and City keeper Christian Dibble punched out the resulting free kick, only for Glenn Wilson to score with a half-volley. Williams then received his marching orders for a an alleged elbow on Charlie Wassmer.

Maher said he felt Hughes should have received a yellow card but had not seen a replay of the Williams incident, although he conceded iff Williams had used his elbow then he deserved a red card.