Caldwell sees red in Exeter City draw

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell was shown a red card for his protests at the denial of a dramatic winner for his team at Lincon City.

While the Grecians had to soak up long periods of pressure from their hosts, they did a fine defensive job and looked to have pinched the perfect smash-and-grab when Ryan Trevitt hit the net in stoppage time.

City celebrations were immediately muted by referee Declan Bourne, who decided the ball had struck the hand of Angus MacDonald before finding the Lincoln goal. Replays suggested a soft decision in favour of the home side and Caldwell’s frustration boiled over into a dismissal-inducing rant.

It was difficult to blame the City boss after his side had fought so gamely to restrict the Imps, as a combination of fine goalkeeping from Joe Whitworth and the woodwork kept the scores blank at half-time.

The Grecians grew in belief through the second period and Pat Jones spurned a decent chance to steal victory before the moment of controversy arrived. When Caldwell calms down, however, he can reflect on a stoic away point and another step toward League One safety.