Eoin Toal is to set to miss the remainder of the season with the ankle injury which curtailed his Wembley success story.
A late challenge from Plymouth Argyle substitute Sam Cosgrove forced Toal out of the action minutes from the end of Wanderers’ 4-0 win in the final of the Papa Johns Trophy.
And Whites’ boss Ian Evatt confirmed the bad news that the defender will be sidelined with a significant ankle injury which has brought a premature end to an outstanding first season with Wanderers.
“It’s a huge frustration of mine,” said Evatt, who deemed the foul worthy of a red card.
“Referees make mistakes, they miss things. But the way the rules are and how the FA can’t look at that because the referee gave a yellow card means we’re getting it wrong.
“Eoin is now going to miss key games for us and is a key player. It’s a big frustration and I don’t think there was any real need for it.
“He’s played 23 out of the last 24 games and really shone. He’s made huge progress and done extremely well.
“We’re looking forward to working with him in the future but he doesn’t deserve to miss out on these key games and these big moments because he’s been outstanding and that tackle, at the time and that stage of the game; there was no need for it.”
Toal’s absence will start at Exeter City on Friday when Wanderers will resume their bid to secure a top-six finish and a place in the League One play-offs.
However, Evatt will be able to call on the services of forwards Victor Adeboyejo, Shola Shoretire and Dan N’Lundulu after the trio were all cup-tied for Sunday’s triumph.
And Evatt believes they will now have even more incentive to try and help Wanderers take their promotion challenge all the way via a possible Wembley return.
“Before the game when we were speaking in the hotel I made it clear to the ones not involved that they could still gain something from the day and gain some experience,” Evatt added.
“I think they did and what they gained is that they want to be a part of something like that because it was such a brilliant day.
“That’s why we’re in the game. We’re in the game for days like that and for occasions like that, to have a feeling like that.
“And if we can replicate that over and over again it’s going to be fantastic for everybody.
“But to do that there’s lots of hard work, which starts when it’s grey and miserable like today at Lostock with no fans.
“You have to do the hard yards to get yourself in a position to do, and play, like we did on Sunday. That’s just a great reminder for everybody and we’re keen to get there again.”