A game that had everything ...
United and Accrington came together for the second time in the space of ten days on Tuesday night and the sides battled out a share of the spoils as they were both reduced to ten men.
Controversy reigned from the opening minute when Ibehre challenged for a high ball with Pearson in midfield. The big striker raised a foot and was shocked to receive a straight red card from match referee Jeremy Simpson as the Accrington man tumbled to the floor.
United regrouped after the setback and Luke Joyce almost made an impact on his return to his former club when he fizzed a 23-yard free kick through the wall. Etheridge had to dive low to gather as Hope looked for scraps.
And the visitors were rewarded for their positive approach to what could have been a killer blow when Hope worked hard to pounce on poor defensive play from Stanley. A neat touch was followed by a lovely clipped shot which dipped into the far corner.
The lead was almost doubled moments later when a long throw from Ellis was flicked into the danger area. Kennedy reacted first but he was disappointed to see his lob drop onto the roof of the net.
Accrington got forward to good effect just past the half hour when Buxton overlapped, but the first corner of the game came to nothing as Gillespie ran out to claim it.
It was a better spell for the home side but a rushed shot from McConville summed up the frustration felt by the hosts as it spun high into the night sky from distance.
Kee was next to go close when he nodded a cross from Conneely wide of the upright, and a free kick from Buxton deep into time added on for the half had to be dealt with as it pinged dangerously back and forward in front of Gillespie.
A shot from Procter was blocked by Raynes as Accrington tried to start the second half at a higher tempo, and Mingoia raised home spirits with a low volley from a tight angle which had to be blocked by Joyce.
Gillespie was in action again with ten minutes on the second half clock when McConville dropped a shoulder and found a yard. His shot headed for the bottom corner until the keeper got his hands to it.
Stanley lost their one-man advantage when Buxton picked up a second yellow card, but Carlisle were pegged back when Hope scuffed a clearance right at McConville. He wasted no time in sending the ball into the box and Gornell did the rest with a close range header.
Pace from McQueen helped him turn defence into attack as Carlisle settled again and his cross on the run was met on the full by Hope as he arrived late. Etheridge needed two attempts to grab it but he showed good hands in the end.
The game tightened up as both sides concentrated on shape, but Gillespie earned his corn when Kee latched onto a long ball over the top. The keeper spread himself to make a fine save when a fierce shot flew in.
A winding run from Gilliead was the response but he was forced wide and Etheridge was able to complete a comfortable save as he dealt with the low shot.
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Goals
Accrington - Gornell (58)
United - Hope (17)
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Bookings
Accrington - Mingoia (6), Buxton (22 & 55 - sent off), Halliday (52)
United - McQueen (71), Wyke (84)
Sent off - Ibehre (35 seconds - straight red card)
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Teams
Accrington Stanley - Etheridge, Pearson (Davies 38), Mingoia, McConville, Procter, Wright, Boco (Gornell 46), Buxton, Conneely, Kee, Halliday. Subs - Mooney, Carver, Shaw, Wakefield, Barry.
Carlisle United - Gillespie, Atkinson, Raynes, Ellis, McQueen, Hope (Asamoah 79), Joyce, Hery (Gilliead 72), Kennedy, Ibehre, Wyke (Rigg 89). Subs - Hanford, Sweeney, Balanta, Thompson.
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Referee - Mr Jeremy Simpson
Attendance - 2,080 (855 away fans)
