Carlisle City went down 3-1 at home to Newcastle Benfield last night in their latest Northern League clash.
Sam Smith had given City the lead from a 28th minute corner before the former Reds defender was involved in a bizarre incident which nobody could recall happening before.
Smith had been issued a straight red card for a foul on the edge of the area when the referee adjudged him to be the last man.
Numerous protests and complaints followed from players and coaching staff but Smith had trudged off and had started to get changed in the dressing room.
Finally, after discussions with his assistant, the referee changed his decision on Smith who was recalled from the dressing room and allowed to rejoin the game.
In truth it was a scrappy, stop-start game which did little to showcase the best of the Northern League with precious little good football and few chances.
Benfield had drawn level in time added on at the end of the first half when Andre Bennett got on the score-sheet.
It stayed all square until the 70th minute when James Wilson edged the visitors in front and City were chasing the game, throwing several men forward when Benfield broke to score a third through Kevin Carr in time added on.
To hear Dan Kirkup’s view on the game you can listen below:
