13 April 2010: Moses Swaibu (16) Notts County, 1-3
Two months after his early red against Rotherham, Moses Swaibu again left City facing most of a match with ten men. This time a reckless lunge on Neil Bishop earned him a straight red from Peter Quinn after just 16 minutes. The scores were level, with the dismissal undermining City’s quick response to County’s opening goal.
Lee Hughes had scored after just 63 seconds, only for Steven Lennon to capitalise on Graeme Lee’s mistake and equalise in the fourth minute. Davide Somma subsequently tested Kasper Schmeichel, while Rob Burch made several saves to keep the ten men level. Lee finally restored County’s advantage with a diving header from Craig Westcarr’s cross after 65 minutes, before Delroy Facey sealed their 3-1 victory late on.
6 November 2010: Clark Keltie (44) Nuneaton Town, 1-0
Nuneaton had already made City uncomfortable when Clark Keltie compounded a poor first half with two rash challenges in quick succession. Booked for a late tackle on Adam Walker, he lunged in again and received a second yellow from Carl Berry in the 44th minute. The goalless Imps reached the interval facing the prospect of an FA Cup upset with ten men.
Scott Kerr’s introduction for Ashley Grimes helped transform City’s midfield, and the ten men began to dominate their tiring visitors. Albert Jarrett struck a post before eventually finding the breakthrough with a late free-kick, driven low into the bottom corner. Donovan Simmonds still had an opportunity to force a replay, but shot straight at Joe Anyon. City held on for a 1-0 win and a place in the second round.
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