SHAUN McAuley looks set to miss the first three games of the new season after being sent off during a friendly match.

The Basingstoke Town midfielder saw red one minute before the end of his side’s home game against Salisbury City on Tuesday night following a bust-up with visiting defender Matt Clarke, who also received his marching orders.

Referee Colin Lymer could have dealt with the situation differently, perhaps ordering the benches to substitute the players, but having been shown red cards, it is likely that both men will be hit with three-game bans.

It was a disappointing end to an otherwise good performance from Town, who won the game 3-1 thanks to Robbie Matthews’ double and Simon Dunn’s early strike.

Basingstoke manager Jason Bristow said: “Common sense possibly should have prevailed and both players could have been taken off without getting red cards because Shaun will miss three games now. It left the whole night on a bit of a downer.

“I think their player headbutted Shaun. The Salisbury manager has apologised for that but the referee has said Shaun has reacted and swung at him. If that is the case then it is really silly.”

Missing the first three games of the season could be especially costly for McAuley. With competition for places so fierce in midfield, he may find it hard to force his way back into the team.

That competition could be added to if Bristow completes the signing of former Reading youngster Andrew Jenkinson. The midfielder has impressed during pre-season and is in talks over a permanent move to the Camrose.

Jenkinson started Tuesday’s game at left-back, showing that he can provide cover in that area if needed, but it was Matthews who stole the show with an outstanding performance.

The striker ran the Salisbury defence ragged with his aerial prowess and used his strength to bring other players into the game.

He had a hand in the opening goal on 21 minutes, his effort being well saved only for the rebound to fall for Dunn to fire home as Town dominated against a weak Salisbury side made up of trialists.

Jenkinson went close to scoring with an excellent curling shot, while Jordace Holder-Spooner was unlucky to see his effort from Matthews’ knock-down hit the post.

Town scored from the resulting corner though, Matthews powering header at the far post.

Matthews’ second came on 38 minutes, the striker finishing well to complete a fine team move that had begun with goalkeeper Louis Wells and involved Jenkinson, Wes Daly, Marcus Johnson-Schuster and Nathan Smart.

Matthews was taken off at the break and Town were unable to dominate the second-half in the same way.

Jenkinson went close to extending the lead with a volley but it was the visitors who got the only goal of the half, Brandon Munday taking advantage of a mistake from goalkeeper Joe McDonnell to bundle the ball in.

Bristow said: “There were plenty of positives, with some really good individual performances. In possession we looked good and we also looked more solid without the ball.

“We controlled the game in the first-half. Our movement and work-rate was good and we played some nice stuff.

“Robbie Matthews showed what he can offer tonight. It was a powerful header for his first goal and a nice finish for his second.

“We know what he can do and he will thrive if we play to his strengths.”

Next for Basingstoke is a friendly trip to Ryman League Premier outfit Metropolitan Police on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Bristow is hoping to welcome back Kezie Ibe, Adam Green, Manny Williams and Neil Barrett, who all sat out Tuesday’s game, but Robbie Rice remains sidelines with an ankle problem.