Peter Murphy came into the side for the first time after suspension. Brendan McGill, signed in the week, returned for the first time since the end of last season, when he completed a long-term loan spell. Roddy Collins continued his fairly unique policy of picking different captains each match by giving the armband to youngster Lee Andrews. Lincoln, after an unexpectedly good start of four points in two games, had the first half-chance when Paul Morgan headed over the bar from a free-kick. Ex-United midfielder Scott Willis produced a right foot shot deflected wide in the fourth minute. From the resulting corner, Peter Keen made a smart stop after a home player got into space. Simon Weaver and Richie Foran clashed in the seventh minute and much to everyone's amazement were both ordered off. Weaver appeared to elbow Foran and the Irish striker retaliated. It was the first time the firebrand forward had walked in his United career after six early baths in his Shelbourne days. On 18 minutes Willis clashed with Murphy in midfield and a yellow was waved. The game was becoming punctuated by a series of niggly fouls. Ryan Baldacchino suffered a setback soon after as he limped off clutching his hamstring. Will McDonagh came on in his place. After a bright start, the game was becoming disjointed as both teams needed to adjust to having a man short. The Imps went close near the interval went Richard Logan got to a corner first and headed over the bar with Keen stranded. The home team were looking quite lively. Peter Gain got into the box and fired across the goal strongly but Keen made an excellent low save. McDonagh went into referee Robinson's notebook after what looked a fair challenge with the ball being won cleanly. The decision brought a negative reaction from Roddy Collins. Players argued with the officials as they walked off at the whistle. John Burns came on for a struggling Mick Galloway who had failed to recover properly from a knock in the first half. Burns lost the ball straight away and Gain nipped in to volley over the bar. Paul Mayo replaced Mark Bailey for the Imps. Willis volleyed over the bar as Lincoln continued to look the more likely in a scrappy game of few chances. McGill managed a rare shot for the Cumbrians but the ball was blocked. Then Keen made a top save from substitute Mayo who shot from the right after a quick break. Striker Brian Wake replaced a tiring Murphy after 63 minutes. Carlisle won a corner just after this and McDonagh's header struck a Lincoln arm inside the area. Robinson pointed to the spot giving Trevor Molloy the chance to step up. His kick was well placed and beat Alan Marriott. The switch to provide two men up front had paid instant dividends. Lincoln put some pressure on the visitors. Whitehead produced a good defensive header to deny Mayo. Maddison made a fine run and set up McDonagh who sliced wide. Astonishingly Robinson's performance deteriorated further after 75 minutes when Shelley was sent off for retaliation after another stray Lincoln elbow. Keen was then pulled up for apparently keeping the ball too long or stepping outside the box. Keen queried Robinson and the keeper went into the book. The free kick was touched short and Maddison made a good block to Willis's shot. A long throw caused trouble but Dean Cropper missed a great chance to level things up. The pressure built up as Keen was forced into another save. Inside the last 10 minutes Maddison was adjudged to have brought down Yeo, again contentiously as no contact appeared to be made. Robinson was at least 40 yards away but the decision was given as a penalty. Yeo took it and missed. Justice done undoubtedly. Molloy then became player No.4 to be sent off in injury time as Robinson's inept display descended into total farce. Nobody seemed to know what had happened. Booked: Keen, Maddison, McDonagh Sent off: Foran, Shelley, Molloy Weather: Hot/ CUFC fans: 496 Al's verdict: An incredible match. Not for the quality of the football but for the totally inept display of officiating by Mr Robinson who even made Alcock look good. This was comfortably the worst refereeing seen in a long time, perhaps ever. His decisions were unjustifiable and destroyed the match as a spectacle. Having said all that, his award of a penalty which seemed pretty much spot on allowed United to win. Keen produced more fine saves and allowed us to stay ahead. We must be the first team in history to finish with eight men and still get the three points. A great away double - into the top six - but that ref, what a shocker! |
