A fantastic strike from Leeds United Striker Davide Somma, a Stallard Swagger you sense, put the Imps a goal up just after half time but Crewe deservedly got a share of the points with a close range turn in from Miller 6 minutes from time. The Imps could have done with the win but fortunately Darlington and Macclesfield both lost 0-1, Cheltenham 1-2 and Grimsby 0-2. Indeed only Torquay managed a win, 2-1 against Accrington and you’ve guessed it Kempson got another stoppage time own goal.
We played some pretty if over elaborate football today with Sutton able to play his preferred 4-4-2 formation. . As aexpected Saunders in the middle of a four man midfield shone as a playmaker and a stopper as he went non stop box to box for the full ninety minutes. He is a superb player and someone we should endeavour to sign along with Herd. With the Imps electing to change the formation Gilmour made way in the midfield for Davide Somma up front. Saunders was the centre of attention from the off as the Imps went for the jugular with Broughton brought down just outside the area of the home end goal. Saunders floater was cleared but in our next attack Saunders piquant through ball saw the Aussie assassin drill a foot wide from outside the 18 yard box. Crewe then got the first of their fourteen corners which a smiling Pearce headed clear with the Passionistas urging their defensive ‘goal machine` on. You have got to love him and he would deservedly just edge Saunders for man of the match.
Crewe were starting to edge the chances and the corners but not the play, indeed both sides passing and movement was a credit given the pitch was cutting up like the Somme. Miller blazed just over then a Bailey blast was deflected by Moses for a corner. Moses and Pearce were both playing blinders until Miller skipped past him to cut it back for Byron to be denied an opener by a brilliant save from Burch. Moments later Burch made himself big to deny Moore one on one with his legs. Herd went straight up the other end and drilled a thirty five yarder a foot wide, what an IMPudent Imp this lad is, and no booking today – well done Chris Help yourself to a Fosters 5% tonight! A free kick from Saunders the new set piece guru it would seem was headed back across goal by Cult hero Pearce. Drew Broughton of all people failed to execute but lost his head sending it over the bar. Moments later his partner in crime Somma would curl just high and wide as he was beginning to find his feet and rhythm. For the remainder of an end to end half young Davide began to emerge from the shadows and show quick feet, some thoughtful runs and shunting one or two Railwaymen down some blind sidings. It all went quiet until Saunders dislodged the sleepers with a thirty yard low drive against the Stacey West post. Thankfully as the referee reached for his whistle Grant ground one against the post at the other end but Brayford’s rebound fortunately did more damage to the executive boxes than our goal difference.
No changes at half time?? or so we thought as the Imps came out of the traps with a spring in their side that immediately turned to high fives Somma. And what a goal it was. Herd beat two and interchanged with Saunders with a lovely lofted chip over the defence for our Italian Springbok to take it in his stride before instinctively zinging a rising drive off the inside of the post from a country mile. A positive Sincil Stampede of joy as Imps young and old reached for the sky. Some were still searching the Stacey seating for false teeth as we celebrated our first corner of the game, it was too much for the team as the ball travelled frustratingly to our end of the pitch for Burch to fortunately save a promising drive from Bailey. Herd and Broughton were both denied as the Imps took the game by the scruff of the neck in search of a killer second. Pearce the goal machine headed just past the post from another Saunders corner. Crewe were far from out of it with Hughton throwing himself in front of Tootle and Mr Anderson getting very lucky with a header that crept just over his own bar.
The introduction of the physical presence of Clayton Donaldson in the 67th proved how lucky we were that Dario had underestimated us deciding he could keep Zola back for this one. Indeed Donaldson nearly equalised with his first touch but Burch managed to save at point blank range with his legs. Crewe sensed there was something in this for them as a Brayford, of all names, was denied right of way in Lincoln by a full stretch Burch. Keltie came on for Lennon with 8 minutes to go as the Imps attempted to hold out against the tide. Hughton took one for the team hauling Donaldson, a man thrice his size, to the floor. Crewe then forced a corner that the Imps failed to clear, though it was all hands to the pumps to be fair with the Railwaymen at full steam. Moore crossed in and Miller hooked home past Burch who was still thumping the ground as Crewe threatened a second. Only a superb Pearce tackle on Donaldson denied the rampant Railwaymen with Bailey whistling over and Miller seeing his 20 yarder take the scenic route via row Z of the home end.
All in all we could have done with the three points but will be happy with the one given results elsewhere. We are now ten clear of Grimsby though it is still looking tight if they were to go on a bit of a run. Rochdale away next week will not be easy and there are also some interesting fixtures for those around us on Tuesday with Cheltenham v Hereford, Darlo v Vale, County v Maccls and Torquay v Dag & Red, Then whilst we play Dale it`s Darlington v Torquay, Grimsby v Shrewsbury and Hereford v Macclesfield,
Scores on the doors
17 Barnet 33 -9 37
18 Hereford 32 -14 35
19 Lincoln City 33 -20 34
20 Torquay 33 -5 32
21 Macclesfield 31 -10 32
22 Cheltenham 32 -14 31
23 Grimsby 33 -24 24
24 Darlington 29 -40 15
Imps
1 Burch 5 Swaibu 13 Pearce 38 Anderson 11 Kerr 16 Lennon (Keltie 81) 25 Hughton 34 Herd 39 Saunders 15 Broughton 18 Somma
Subs
20 Musselwhite, 2 Green, 6 Hone, 19 Clarke, 23 Keltie, 35 Gilmore, 14 John-Lewis
Yellow card – Hughton
Crewe31 Phillips 2 Brayford 5 O’Donnell 19 Westwood 23 Tootle (Donaldson 67) 27 Worley 11 Grant 16 Bailey 28 Walton 14 Moore 15 Miller
Subs
13 Legzdins, 20 Shelley, 30 Martin, 34 Gardner, 18 Murphy, 21 Clements, 8 Donaldson
Ref: Ilderton
Att: 3,110 ( 2901 of Imp decent plus 209 Railwaymen
Possession Lincoln 46% Crewe 54%
Total Shots Lincoln 13 Crewe 20
Shots on Lincoln 5 Crewe 8
Shots off Lincoln 8 Crewe 12
Corners Lincoln 2 Crewe 14
Fouls Lincoln 9 Crewe 2
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