SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown was left bamboozled by Michael Timlin’s red card at Shrewsbury Town last night.

The midfielder was shown two yellow cards in the space of 15 minutes after entering the action as a second half substitute.

But Brown could not believe the first of those cautions was actually awarded by fourth official Neil Radford.

“I’ll probably have to go back to school as far as the officials are concerned because I just don’t know what the rules are anymore,” said Brown.

“It was the fourth official who got him the first booking because the referee didn’t see it.

“I asked the fourth official if he saw a penalty does the referee have to give that as well and he didn’t answer me.

“After that, Michael was a little foolish to get a second one but we showed great character to come back and get the three points.”

But Blues were forced to withstand a spell of late Shrewsbury pressure during seven minutes of stoppage time.

And Brown admitted to fearing the worst in the closing stages.

“Decisions seemed to be going against us and I thought we were going to play until they scored if I’m honest,” said the 56-year-old.

We were getting free-kicks galore against us for nothing but we got the win and everyone has played a massive part in it.”