Carshalton Athletic goalkeeper Aaron Howe has shrugged off the spate of red cards that have threatened to sentence the Robins to relegation.

With James Evans and Ryan Watts dismissed in Monday night's 3-0 defeat at league leaders Chelmsford City, Carshalton have seen four men given their marching orders in their past three games.

But Howe insists it will not affect the Robins' hopes of escaping the Ryman Premier Division trap-door.

Howe said: "The red cards obviously didn't help things but it was still very positive from our point of view.

"We always knew it was going to be tough at the home of a side who are probably going to win the league.

"When we went down to nine men everybody pulled together and we kept passing the ball.

"The ref didn't help us and the dismissals looked harsh. But that seems to be the case when you are at the bottom."

Despite their precarious position one place above the drop zone, Howe feels Carshalton have enough in the locker to pull away from trouble.

He added: "We still have great team spirit here and everyone is working very hard.

"We are making progress. We are very disappointed to be in the place we are but everyone is very confident that we can pull ourselves out of it."

The Robins could only draw 1-1 against with fellow strugglers East Thurrock United at Colston Avenue on Saturday.

Phil Ruggles gave them the lead before Liam Harwood was sent off for handball, allowing United to equalise from the penalty spot.

And, although the visitors finished with nine men, they couldn't find a winner.

Carshalton visit play-off chasing Ramsgate on Saturday.