MARK Harris has admitted he was ‘a bit stupid’ to react when getting sent off for Oxford United in their home defeat to Port Vale.
The Welsh striker was shown a straight red card just after the hour mark at the weekend, following an off the ball incident with Vale skipper Nathan Smith.
U’s head coach Liam Manning said after the game that his side’s discipline ‘went out the window in the second half’ as Greg Leigh was also sent off after picking up a second yellow card five minutes into stoppage time.
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Harris though responded in the perfect manner, firing home two goals as United won 3-1 at Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy.
The 24-year-old said: “It wasn’t what I wanted at the weekend, and I apologised to my teammates and the coaching staff.
“It was silly on my behalf but it’s nice to bounce back, and get two goals and a win.”
Asked about the battle he was having with the Valiants defence on Saturday, Harris responded: “It was going on throughout the game and I know what he was trying to do, and I was a bit stupid when I did react.
“I shouldn’t have done it and it was silly. I’ll learn from it.
“I’ve apologised to my teammates and the coaching staff, and it’s nice to bounce back with two goals.
“I’ve got a little longer break from that red card, so it was nice to get a full game with two goals.
“Going into the international break, we can go in on a high and come back ready for the league game.”
Against Northampton, Louis Griffiths became United’s youngest ever player at 16 years and two days.
He was one of four academy prospects in the squad, with George Franklin starting at right back and Aidan Elliott-Wheeler coming off the bench, both making their U’s debuts. Kasway Burton was an unused substitute.
Harris was full of praise for Griffiths, who has been involved with the Wales Under-17 set-up.
“He was top class and the training sessions I’ve had with him so far, you can see he’s got something about him,” said Harris.
“Once you get that opportunity, you want to grab it with both hands.
“I’m sure these young lads will. They’ve got a good attitude and hopefully they can get more opportunities, and show what they’re capable of.
“They’re all good lads and I’m sure when the next game in this competition comes around, they’ll all be ready if they’re called upon and they’ll be hoping to show what they’re capable of.”
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