Albion manager Mark McGhee today defended red card victim Leon Knight.

The 20-goal striker was sent off by referee Trevor Parkes for two bookable offences in last night's 2-0 defeat at play-off rivals Luton.

Knight was cautioned in the first half for diving inside the Luton area following a tackle by Sol Davis which he felt warranted a penalty.

Knight was then cautioned again with 17 minutes left for a challenge on Davis just outside the Luton box.

McGhee said: "I thought Leon's was a stonewall penalty. For him to get booked was ridiculous.

"When he was sent off his leg was on the ground and their lad went over it. I thought that was a ridiculous booking as well."

McGhee also questioned the 77th minute penalty awarded to Luton for a foul by captain Danny Cullip on man of the match Enoch Showunmi. It was converted by former Albion loan signing Kevin Nicholls to clinch Luton's victory.

McGhee said: "The lads are determined it wasn't a penalty but we had already lost a slack goal by then.

"I have got no arguments about the result. They deserved to win the game. We were certainly beaten by a more determined side. They were as good as any team we have played since I have been here."

Luton manager Mike Newell had little sympathy for Knight.

"He dived. He did a lot of that down there when we played them," said Newell.

"I did not see the foul so I don't know how high or late it was, but they are dangerous when you leave your foot in."

Knight, already suspended this season for five cautions, will now miss the trip to Stockport at the end of the month.

Paul Watson went off early on with a recurrence of groin trouble which makes him doubtful for Saturday's visit to Grimsby.

Albion go into that game still in sixth place but Luton are now just a point behind them with two games in hand.

Midfielder Geoff Pitcher has gone out on loan to Havant and Waterlooville.

Havant have signed him to replace former Albion utility player Shaun Wilkinson, who has made a controversial switch to Weymouth.