SCUNTHORPE United have decided not to appeal against the red card for full-back Marcus Williams during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace.

That means the 24-year-old defender will miss tomorrow night's Championship trip to West Brom where new loan signing Brendan Moloney, from Nottingham Forest, could come in for his full debut.

Iron boss Nigel Adkins believes the 72nd minute dismissal of Williams for a straight red card was harsh.

But thinking it is one thing – proving it is another, and Scunthorpe do not want to run the risk of getting an extra match suspension for the player for an appeal that the FA might deem to be 'frivolous'.

Williams got his marching orders after a challenge on Palace substitute Kieron Djilali who was threatening to break free through the middle.

It was deemed a professional foul and straight red by referee Paul Tierney who also flashed eight yellow cards while officiating his first match at Championship level.

"The referee was a long way away and we feel the decision was very harsh," said manager Nigel Adkins.

"The video evidence we have is very difficult, but there is a good shout that Marcus has made contact with the ball.

"We also have Rob Jones and David Mirfin very close to the incident, so was it really denying a goalscoring opportunity?"

But United clearly do not feel they have the video evidence strong enough to support an appeal.

"The last three games we have lost have each been after having players sent off and that is very disappointing," said Adkins.

United will also be without winger Garry Thompson at West Brom.

He went off with a hamstring injury in the second half on Saturday.