Last night saw Lincoln City get two red cards in the first half, bringing our 30-year total of early red cards to a whopping 46.
A first-half red card feels rare, but we average more than one per season. It’s not often we get two in a single game, nor that we get our first one while the time is still showing a single digit. It’s also the first time we’ve gone on to concede six, although that was really a symptom of being two men down.
It prompted me to go back over the last 30 seasons, looking for every first-half red card we’ve had, and who got it. Here’s an amusing anecdote: our first three red cards on the list all went to the same player, who was in the stadium last night. He might not thank me for it!
September 1996: Mark Hone (13) Wigan Athletic, 0-1
Mark Hone’s first booking came after a fifth-minute flashpoint with David Lowe, sparked by the City midfielder’s clumsy challenge. Eight minutes later, a late tackle on Kevin Sharp brought a second yellow, leaving the Imps a man short for almost the entire afternoon. Losing one of the two central midfielders in City’s 4-2-4 forced an early rethink.
Graham Lancashire scored the only goal after 52 minutes, converting the rebound when Gavin Johnson’s low drive struck a post. It came in controversial circumstances, with Wigan working the free-kick while referee Scott Mathieson was still marking out the distance for City’s wall. Barry Richardson’s saves helped keep us in contention, and Tony Dennis headed narrowly wide as the ten men searched unsuccessfully for an equaliser.
March 1997: Mark Hone (35) Carlisle United, 0-1
Recalled for his first start since Boxing Day, Mark Hone lasted only 35 minutes before a mistimed tackle on Steve Hayward brought a second yellow. He had already been cautioned after 15 minutes for unsporting behaviour, making this his second first-half dismissal of the season after the early exit at Wigan.
Allan Smart scored the only goal after 48 minutes, deflecting Owen Archdeacon’s low shot past Barry Richardson. The ten men thought they had rescued a point in the 92nd minute when Colin Alcide headed Terry Fleming’s throw into the net, sparking celebrations among City’s players and supporters. However, the assistant judged that the throw had curled out of play before reaching Alcide, and David Laws disallowed the equaliser after consulting him.
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