Keepers see red in all-action replay (02.12.03)

AN ACTION packed match at York Road saw Maidenhead United through to the third round of the FA Trophy on Tuesday night.
The result was all important, but the game will probably be remembered for the sendings off of both goalkeepers, an event so rare it has sent the statisticians scurrying to the record books.
Maidenhead started the game in great style, and for the first 30 minutes of the game, they were firmly camped in the Swindon half. Time and again the Swindon defence were hard pushed to keep the rampant Magpies at bay.
But, despite United's dominance, a mixture of desperate defending, good saves and some off target shots meant the scoreline stayed blank.
Laurence Yaku in particular caused all sorts of problems, but every time he managed a shot on target, it was either deflected away or saved.
But, after 32 minutes of domination, Maidenhead finally got what seemed a good break, when Yaku again broke free and beat the off-side trap.
As he tried to round the keeper, King brought Yaku down, an act which not only resulted in the award of a penalty, but left the referee with no choice but to show him a red card.
Eighteen-year-old Ian Gill took over in goal, and with his first touch superbly saved Brendan Gallen's spot kick.
Just to rub salt in the wound, 10-man Swindon then took the lead, when Sean Terry returned a blocked corner to the far post for Giles Harris to stroke the ball home.
But deep into added time at the end of the half, Maidenhead were offered another chance.
Terry was adjudged to have handled the ball on the edge of the area, and Steve Hale skilfully placed the free-kick inside the far post, giving Gill no chance.
As in the first game, Swindon looked a much better team in the early part of the second half, and certainly didn't show that they were a man short.
The ever dangerous Dave Toomey was presented a golden opportunity when Durrant slipped when in possession, but only found the side netting.
Simon Futcher then sent in a superb ball from a free kick, but despite good efforts, no-one could get the final touch.
Halfway through the second period, Swindon won a corner, again whipped in by Terry.
Tall centre back Davies headed goalwards but the ball was cleared off the line by Gallen.
Connor quickly moved the ball forward for Yaku to run on to and he outpaced the defence and easily scored.
The game then moved up a gear, with real end to end action, which culminated in a dramatic finish, deep into added time.
Substitute Jimmy Carter ran on to a long clearance in plenty of space.
Nick Hart came off his line to challenge and Carter went tumbling, which resulted in yet another red card being shown to a goalkeeper.
Steve Obe donned the shirt to face the free-kick from just outside the box, but only had to watch as Carter hit the ball over the bar.
The referee soon blew the final whistle which put the Magpies into a third round tie away at Dr Martens high-flyers Histon in the new year.