Report: Lincoln City 2-1 Chesterfield

For the second home game running, the Imps scored two goals in the first half without reply and, whilst again looking very comfortable and likely to score more during the second period, we were all disappointed to witness a goal pulled back for Chesterfield and no more home goals, just as we did in the Barnet game. This time, however, we looked much more secure than we did against our north London opponents.

City began the game with just the one change, Jordan Maguire-Drew replacing Nathan Arnold and referee John Brooks got proceedings under way with Chesterfield kicking off towards another excellent away following of 1,124 in the Stacey West end. Without doubt, City had their brightest start to any game so far this season taking the lead in the 17th minute via a powerful shot from outside the box from Michael Bostwick, whose first goal for the club arrived via a deflection which wrong-footed former Imp Joe Anyon in the chesterfield goal. Just eight minutes later and an amazing run from Harry Anderson saw him reach the by-line and whip in a terrific, low cross which had it not been turned into his own goal by Andy Kellett it surely would have been by Maguire-Drew. Josh Vickers, who retained his place for a third successive game, didn’t have a great deal to do as City dominated and looked capable of scoring more in a rampant display. He was, however, called upon to turn a very well-taken free kick around his post for a corner when Jordan Flores, who took the kick, looked like he had hit it into the top corner.

Half-time: Lincoln City 2 Chesterfield 0

Whilst Chesterfield looked to get back into the game, it was City who looked the more likely to add to their goal tally; Anderson drew a good save from Anyon before Matty Green played in an excellent cross for Ollie Palmer to head the ball against the bar. Green himself then went very close with an effort which he poked agonisingly wide of the post. Maguire-Drew then took a corner and found Bostwick who headed the ball goalwards but the ball bounced around the six-yard box and no-one could poke it over the line, sadly. Maguire-Drew then had a decent effort which, unfortunately, went straight into Anyon’s waiting arms. As the clock ticked down, Spireites brought on Reece Mitchell and five minutes later, he charged into the Imps’ box before being challenged by Anderson. Referee Brooks appeared to react only after the Co-op side linesman raised his flag and a penalty was given. Vickers has a good reputation for saving spot kicks, but on this occasion Kristian Dennis (who had also come on as a sub in the 56th minute) sent him the wrong way and firmly planted the ball into the City net.

A tense final five minutes plus the extra four added on brought no further worries for Lincoln and they held out for what was in reality a much more comfortable win than the scoreline might suggest.

Seven points out of the last nine for City sees them move up to 10th place in the table with Cambridge United next up at Sincil Bank. The attendance of 9,485 was our second best home gate of the season just 78 short of the 9,563 who attended the Mansfield game. Our average is now an astonishing 8,684 and our closest rivals are Notts County with 8,076 followed by Coventry City with 8,033.

Bring on the U’s and always keep the faith!

Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City FC for the photograph.