BOSS Eddie Howe conceded Gabriele Angella’s controversial early sending off had “totally changed” Cherries’ eagerly-awaited Championship showdown with Watford last night.

The Italian defender received a straight red card from referee Lee Probert following a foul on Cherries striker Callum Wilson just 30 seconds into the Dean Court clash.

Angella was sent packing having been deemed by the official to have denied Wilson a goalscoring opportunity when team-mate Craig Cathcart appeared to have been in position to cover.

Cherries profited from the decision and went on to register a 2-0 victory over the Hornets thanks to Yann Kermorgant’s first-half penalty and a Matt Ritchie goal in the second half.

Howe, asked at his post-match press conference whether he would have been aggrieved had the boot been on the other foot, replied: “I think I would have been disappointed.

“The timing of it was a bitter pill to swallow for Watford because the game had just started. Both teams were looking forward to what would have been a good battle and tussle between two really good footballing sides and the game totally changed on that moment.

“I’m not sure how high the tackle was or why the referee produced the red card but I think I would have been slightly disappointed with the timing of it and whether Callum was ever going to catch the ball.

“It was a difficult one for the referee because it was so early in the game and he had to make a big call. He took his time over the decision and didn’t produce the red card rashly so he obviously thought about it and maybe consulted his linesman.

“For us, it changed the game. We were nervy starters, there was no denying that. It was almost as if the 10 men had added a pressure for us and we didn’t really respond to that as well as we would have hoped. But the goal settled us and the second half was really enjoyable to watch.”