Tilson felt there was no malicious intent in Harding's challenge
Southend United manager Steve Tilson was pleased by the way his side responded after going down to 10 men in their 1-1 draw with Stockport.
The Blues picked up a point, despite having full-back Dan Harding sent off with just over 20 minutes left to play.
Tilson told BBC Essex: "When Dan got sent off I have to be honest I feared the worst, but the lads showed a lot of spirit, dug in and kept their shape.
"You can't go chasing things because you'll get picked off."
Harding was sent off for a tackle on Stockport's Leon McSweeney, but Tilson thought the decision to send the 24-year-old off was a harsh one.
"You can't tell me it was a malicious tackle," said Tilson.
"I was only five yards away from it and there was no intent whatsoever.
"So, from my point of view, I'm really disappointed because for me it was not a sending off."
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