November 1997: Mark Hone (8) Gainsborough Trinity, 1-1
Mark Hone’s eighth-minute dismissal gave non-league Gainsborough an early invitation to cause an FA Cup upset at Sincil Bank. He received a straight red for a badly mistimed challenge on Paul Ellender, with the offence recorded as violent conduct. Former Imp Phil Brown relished the extra space as Trinity increasingly took control.
Dean Walling nevertheless headed City ahead after 14 minutes, meeting Jason Barnett’s corner with an effort which crossed the line before being cleared. Grant Morrow equalised in the 54th minute after being set up by Brown, and Gainsborough created enough chances to threaten a famous victory. City were ultimately relieved to hold on for a 1-1 draw and another opportunity in a replay.
March 1998: Terry Fleming (29) Leyton Orient, 0-1
Three minutes and two late challenges in the centre circle were enough to bring Terry Fleming’s afternoon to an abrupt end. City had controlled the opening exchanges despite facing a stiff wind, but the midfielder’s quick succession of yellow cards left them facing an hour with ten men. Caretaker manager Shane Westley later questioned whether referee Anthony Bates had actually seen the incident which prompted the second booking.
Barry Richardson’s saves and some determined defending, particularly from Grant Brown, kept Orient out until the 76th minute. The breakthrough came when Martin Ling reached the byline and supplied Alex Inglethorpe, who finished into the roof of the net from eight yards. Substitute Jae Martin offered City a late spark with some impressive individual runs, but they could not find an equaliser and slipped to a 1-0 defeat.
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