Ten-man Lincoln hold on for hard-earned point

Posted Sunday, October 21, 2018 by PA

Leaders Lincoln were forced to play 70 minutes with 10 men as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Cambridge.

The Imps took an early lead through Matt Rhead but Jevani Brown’s stunning long-range strike levelled matters.

Young midfielder Ellis Chapman was then controversially sent off.

The Sky Bet League Two leaders raced out of the blocks, needing just six minutes to go in front.

Bruno Andrade was the provider with a wonderful cross from the left. Rhead still had plenty to do but made it look easy as he planted a brilliant header beyond David Forde in the Cambridge goal.

Out of the blue, the visitors drew level in spectacular fashion in the 11th minute. Brown cut in from the right and rifled a stunning left-foot drive into the top corner.

Chapman was dismissed when he caught Gary Deegan with a slightly late challenge which referee Lee Collins deemed to be a straight red card offence.

The decision left the Imps and the home fans in the 9,000-strong crowd fuming.

It did not prevent Lincoln from attacking, but they almost came unstuck in the closing moments as goalkeeper Josh Vickers was called into action to deny George Maris from 25 yards in the 75th minute and again in stoppage time with a superb double save to keep out Brown and David Amoo.