Imps out after dramatic ending to game

By Nathan Jackson
May 22 2004

Trailing from the first leg, City knew that quite literally, only a win would do, even if it only meant extra time, the Imps had to win otherwise it was all over. 3,500 Imps fans made the trip to the impressive McAlpine Stadium.

City dominated the early play and Huddersfield looked as though the 20,000 or so Terrier’s fans were a hindrance rather than an aid as the Yorkshire team failed to get going in the first half. The first chance was the Imps as City gained a corner within a minute and Ellison’s long ball was headed just wide by Gary Fletcher.


City took the lead on the night to draw level on aggregate in the 37th minute which sent the 3,500 Imps fans into pure delight in what were, probably the most “white hot” celebrations the club have seen in a long time. A cross from Bailey went long into the box and keeper Rachubka, defender Edwards and Marcus Richardson all went up but the keeper punched the ball and Richard Butcher produced a cheeky chip into the empty net to bring the Imps level on terms.

Less than 60 seconds later, that “white heat” became even louder as a ball from Richardson fed Bailey who dummied a defender and sent a shot flying past Rachubka to make it 2-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate. All of a sudden, the ground seemed empty as Huddersfield fans left to get some food. They missed the chance for City to make it 3-0 which would have killed the game off. Fletcher played a through ball to Yeo but his shot went narrowly over the bar. City were cruising and could have scored again less than 30 seconds later as Fletch broke through but his shot went ever so narrowly wide.

The half time whistle was greeted with the cheers like we had just scored again by City fans as very rarely had the Imps dominated a half so much.

Huddersfield came out for the second half as a different team. No chances were really created until the 60th minute when a long ball into the box saw Booth fall over about a yard in front of McCombe, the ref signalled for a goal kick but then after consulting with his linesman, gave a penalty which Schofield tidily put away to mean that if scores stayed the same, extra time would go ahead. Looking at the penalty decision on the TV, it does look incredibly dubious but these sort of decisions are just one of those things.

City could have immediately restored the advantage but Yeo’s long range shot went sailing into the stand. Huddersfield were well on top now and it only seemed a matter of time before they scored. It got to the 83rd minute, a cross came in but McIliskey couldn’t control it but past it to Edwards who shot past Marriott to make it 4-3 on aggregate.

City had a chance to equalise in the very last minute when Yeo’s shot from 4 yards out was excellently saved by Rachubka.