MARK Danks has been banned for three matches following his dismissal at Stafford Rangers on Saturday.

Northwich Victoria’s top scorer was sent off for lashing out at full back Ashley Wooliscroft with his elbow during the 2-2 draw at Marston Road.

He is already suspended for this weekend’s crunch FA Cup clash with Charlton Athletic after picking up five cautions this season, meaning he will watch four of Vics’ next five matches from the touchline.

The 25-year-old, who has hit the net 16 times for Andy Preece’s men to date, can play in next Tuesday’s Cheshire FA Senior Cup first round date with Cheadle Town.

His three-matches ban starts with Vics’ Blue Square North trip to Hyde United the following weekend.

Club captain Simon Grand will also sit out the visit of the League One promotion hopefuls on Sunday after failing to have a yellow card – his fifth booking of the campaign – overturned from the FA Cup win against FC United of Manchester last month.