Frustration returns with defeat to Kettering

It appears that normality has returned to the team this weekend following a narrow 1-0 defeat for the Imps. A great chance was there for the team to take all three points before the game, Kettering’s off field problems are well documented and they were only able to name three substitutes, instead of the permitted five, for this game.

Just over three hundred travelling Imps fans witnessed the side have more possession of the ball, but as we have come accustomed to see, very little done with it. Lincoln began the game with Sheridan playing alongside the inform Pacquette in attack. I was disappointed to see that Lloyd, who made a brilliant second half performance against Southport, was not given the chance to impress from the start especially as he is a more natural attack minded player.

It was Pacquette who gave away the penalty that led to the only goal of the game, he was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area following on from a Kettering free kick. Aman Verma scored the penalty that would eventually give the home side all three points.

Pacquette could have levelled the scores late on, but his headed attempted at goal was well held by keeper Laurie Walker. This was the best chance that Lincoln had to get on the score sheet. We also have Joe Anyon to thank for keeping the scores down, as he made two brilliant saves at the end of the game to give the Imps a fighting chance of salvaging something from the game.

Following the last two games, that saw the side pick up four points, confidence was growing amongst the fans that the team would be able to go to Kettering, a side that is below Lincoln in the league table, and keep the run going. It was deemed not to be, and once more questions will be asked of manager David Holdsworth, this should have been a game that we really shouldn’t have lost. Unfortunately, like so many times this season, we have.

Rumours are abound that yet more players will sign this week before the next game, against Braintree on Saturday at Sincil Bank. A striker must be the number one priority, although a resolution of the situation with McCallum would also be welcomed by many fans, as it is not fully clear as to why he is not a part of the first team squad when numbers in this position are so depleted.

We have a good chance to put this result behind us next week, lets hope that this result was a blip and not a return to type that we have endured for so long.