Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Mark Harper has admitted his side’s inconsistency is driving him to distraction.

The Beavers lost 2-0 to fellow-strugglers Thurrock at the Beveree on Saturday, but roared back to form with a 2-1 win at Bromley on Tuesday.

Hampton even overcame the bizarre second-half sending off of former Brentford defender Lewis Ferrell to hold on for a third win in five games.

And Harper believes that is the sort of spirit his side must show on a regular basis if they are to pull clear of the Blue Square South mire.

“The players knew how important the game was at the weekend and I don’t know what happened really,” he said.

“They were as disappointed with themselves as I was with them and then they go and put in a performance like that against Bromley.

“We were brilliant.”

Ferrell saw red when the referee gave him a second yellow card when he returned to the field of play – after treatment – without permission.

“I had no issue with the first yellow card because it was a foul,” said Harper.

“When Lewis came back on the referee put his arm in the air and everyone in the ground thought he had permission to return.

“The referee should have used a bit of common sense and just restarted the game.

“There was still 25 minutes left at the time and it could have cost us.”

The Station Road chief is sounding out veteran former Hampton, Brentford and Crystal Palace defender Darren Powell over a return to the Beveree.

The 35-year-old has been out of action since his release from MK Dons in 2010 and was a face in the crowd at Saturday’s defeat.

Striker Stuart Duff has been loaned out to Ryman Premier League side Kingstonian, but Harper insisted the door was not closed to him for a return.

“I rate him and Ks rate him, I just think it is a little too soon for him to be playing in the Blue Square South, “ he added.

“He needs games and goals to get his confidence up.”

Ricky Machel has been told he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after learning the ankle he injured last month is actually fractured.

Hampton host Canvey Island in the FA Trophy on Saturday.