Mariners hit back to beat City

Lincoln City failed in their quest to regain the Lincolnshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night after throwing a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 to bitter rivals Grimsby Town in the Sincil Bank final.

After going a goal down to former Imps trialist Serge Makofo after 23 minutes, a less than full strength City side responded in style with Simon Russell firing Steve Tilson’s men level just four minutes later.

Six minutes before the break, the recently-signed Bradley Barraclough showed his worth by smashing Lincoln ahead, following up after Sam Smith’s shot had been saved by former Boston goalkeeper James McKeown. And in the last minute of the half, Kyle Perry scored from the spot after Danny Hone was adjudged to have been fouled in the Mariners box to put City firmly in the driving seat.

But Town fought back straight from the kick-off, with visiting skipper Craig Disley rifling home a shot from 25 yards past trialist stopper Doug Lindberg to keep the visitors in the match.

Adam Watts and Lindberg both came to City’s rescue after the half-time interval and just as the clock was winding down to seemingly give the Imps their first County Cup success since the 2006/07 season, Town scored twice in the last five minutes to give the Mariners the bragging rights.

Michael Coulson levelled the scores after 85 minutes, moments after ex-City loanee Anthony Elding had fired over when well placed, before Liam Hearn snatched a win for the visitors after Josh O’Keefe has given away the ball in midfield.