Haven player-coach Carl Forster will miss Sunday’s League 1 Super 8s clash with Doncaster after he was handed a one-match ban.

Forster pleaded not guilty to a dangerous contact charge, at Tuesday night’s RFL disciplinary panel meeting, but the tribunal ruled against him.

The incident took place during Haven’s 15-2 setback against Barrow on July 30.

And the 25-year-old believes it was the Barrow players’ reactions which led to his punishment.

“I was massively surprised,” said Forster. “I didn’t injure the player and was disappointed the referee put it on report.

“I only think I’ve got the ban because of the Barrow players’ reaction afterwards.”

Alongside the ban, Forster picked up a £75 fine. Last time he had to sit out a Haven game, through injury, his side struggled to a 12-12 draw with North Wales Crusaders.

But the coach is confident it will be different when the squad travel to Doncaster.

He said: “I have the utmost confidence the team will be okay without me, especially in the forwards.

“It’s bad timing more than anything, with us struggling for numbers.

“My ban just means Shacks [Marc Shackley] and [Karl] Olstrom will have to step up and maybe play a few more minutes.”

Forster’s side bounced back from the 15-2 defeat against Barrow with an impressive 27-6 victory over Newcastle Thunder.

“Barring the first game against Barrow I think it was our best defensive display of the season,” he said.

“We were really unhappy to concede but to keep a team like Newcastle to nil for 79 minutes deserves massive credit.

“It was just a slip-up against Barrow. There are no easy games now. We’ll look at Doncaster’s strengths and weaknesses this week and come up with a game plan.”

Heading in to Sunday’s tie, Haven will be boosted by the likely return of the club’s highest-ever try scorer, winger Craig Calvert, who has been missing after pulling his hamstring.

However, winger/full back Jordan Burns is 50/50 for the game after picking up a knock.

Forster said: “Dave Thompson, Jordan and Elliott Miller have all been really good lately and Craig coming back in gives me another option. I was pleased with him before his injury.

“I’ve got four good outside backs and three spots to fill.”

Sunday’s game will kick off at 3pm.