Three off in Imps draw

Referee Graham Salisbury was at the centre of controversy after dishing out three red cards in the 1-1 draw between Lincoln and Cheltenham.

Salisbury showed a straight red to Lincoln defender Aaron Brown for a 69th-minute challenge on Robins midfielder Theo Lewis.

That sparked a fracas between the two benches.

When Salisbury eventually restored order he red carded Lincoln substitute Ian Pearce and Cheltenham sub goalkeeper Barry Richardson.

And before play could resume Lincoln boss Chris Sutton was sent to the stands after complaining about the referee's decisions.

Moments after the game restarted Lewis was lucky to stay on the pitch after he flattened Lincoln centre-back Nathan Baker but escaped with a yellow card.

Cheltenham, without a win in 10 games, edged in front after 12 minutes when a poor clearance by Lincoln set up Justin Richards who fired home from inside the box.

Lincoln levelled early in the second half with a set-piece move. Chris Fagan dummied a corner from Michael Gordon leaving Jamie Clarke to fire home.

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.