DAVE Hopkins held his hands up to his part in Friday night's skirmish but insisted it was only after severe provocation.

The Corsham Town defender was red carded for throwing an elbow, along with three Larkhall players who were also dismissed for violent conduct.

Corsham are considering appealing against the red card, using provocation as Hopkins' defence.

Speaking after the match Hopkins admitted elbowing Larkhall's Simon Gilbert but said the Larkhall midfielder had started it all.

He said: "I don't remember too much about it. As the free kick was being set up I felt someone whack me on the back of my head.

"So I made the mistake of throwing the arm to try and get him off and it all resulted in a free for all.

"The referee said it was me who started it but it was their bloke punching me in the head that started it.

"I should have been sent off I am not arguing about that but it was their player who triggered all the trouble."

Hopkins has recently moved to the Southbank after stepping down as player manager at Devizes Town and relishing the opportunity to concentrate on playing again.

He said: "I am loving it here. It is very nice not to manage any more and I think my football has improved as a result.

"I have fitted in well here and I will continue to do so until the end of the season when I will look at things again.

"I will have a chat with Colin Bush to see what happens next season. I do enjoy it though and I think if they got promoted to the Screwfix Premier Division they would do very well."