Witney United chairman Philip Webb has acted firmly in an attempt to bring an end to the club's poor disciplinary record, by suspending Steven Lawrence.

Youngster Lawrence has been sent off four times already this season, including three times in his last four games, and Webb said enough was enough.

The decision to ban Lawrence from the club was made following a mass brawl during United's home game with Old Woodstock Town, which could land both clubs in hot water with the OFA.

Lawrence was one of three players dismissed in the incident, having only been on the field for a few minutes as a subsitute - and he already faces a lengthy ban from the OFA.

But Webb said United have taken immediate action to hand him a club suspension, before any OFA ban kicks in, in a bid to curb their disciplinary problems.

"After the Old Woodstock game, I spoke at length on the telephone with their chairman, and we both agreed that the behaviour of those involved was totally unacc- eptable.

"As a result, we have imposed a club suspension on Steven, which, on top of the OFA ban, means he will not be playing for us again before February at the earliest.

"Hopefully this will set an example to everyone that we mean to resolve the disciplinary problems."

Meanwhile, Webb has hit out at the OFA for the way they are dealing with the brawl.

"I was very disappointed that the OFA felt it appropriate to discuss the case in the press before contacting the clubs. It was very unprofessional, and I have written to them expressing my views of their actions."