A local derby saw Lincoln City take on the Grimsby Town in the Lincolnshire Cup Final, which turned out to be a feisty game between the two sides on Tuesday, July 31st.
During the build-up to the game, the Grimsby fans came into Sincil Bank thick and fast, with a turnout of 812 supporters for the Mariners and 1,469 spectators in total.
Inside the first ten minutes, controversy struck as Grimsby were on the attack. As they broke into the box, the attacker was brought down and the linesman flagged for a penalty. The referee ignored this and waved play on.
The next 20 minutes saw an even game between the two sides, with both teams constructing great attacking play, which was equally matched by some great defending.
However, after the 30 minute mark, Grimsby started to turn the screw and apply more attacking pressure, just taking slight control of the game.
Soon enough, the Mariners made this narrow advantage count with a goal on the 38 minute mark. The ball was headed towards goal by centre half, Ian Miller and was seemingly cleared off the line by the Imps defence. However, the linesman flagged and the goal was given.
Just before half time, a fight broke out between Louie Soares and Jake Sheridan, resulting in yellow cards for both players.
The second half started as the first half finished, with both teams eager to get forward and push for goals. Lincoln were certainly more attack-minded, with the whole team putting opposition players under a lot of pressure and chasing the ball down quickly.
Lincoln equalised in the 77th minute with Nicky Nicolau curling in a fantastic left-footed shot from the edge of the area. A goal that was well deserved by the young Imps side.
Both teams continued to battle hard and both sides had their chances that they didn’t quite manage to take.
After five additional minutes, the referee blew for full time and the game went to penalties.
Lincoln were up first and managed to score their first three spot kicks successfully, with Grimsby equalling their record.
However, Sheridan had his penalty saved to his right hand side, leaving the score at 3-3 with the Mariners a penalty in hand.
Grimsby made their advantage count, scoring the penalty. Cunningham made Lincoln’s fifth count, leaving the pressure on Grimsby. If they scored, they won.
Up stepped Anthony Elding , an ex-loanee of Lincoln, who was subjected to jeers from Imps supporters when he was substituted on. He scored the winning goal to make Grimsby town the Lincolnshire Cup winners.
A short presentation took place on the pitch with Grimsby captain, Craig Disley lifting the cup for the Mariners.
Player Ratings
Jake Turner – 7
A great performance from the young keeper. Looked pretty solid and comfortable in net. Very unlucky not to have kept a clean sheet.
Ryan Leggett – 6
A good performance from the defender. Kept out most of the wing play attacks, but needed support quite a lot.
Josh Gowling – 9
The Linc Sport’s Man of the Match: An outstanding performance from the centre half. Great timing, awareness, tackling and positioning on the field, even when he was put up-field for a stint as a striker.
Tom Miller – 7
Had a good game at the back with good covering and tackling. Worked well with Gowling.
Will Rawdon – 7
Great play, both attacking and defending. Got forward well and always managed to track back when needed.
Frazer Cobb – 7
Played a good game until he got substituted. Managed to get in to some good positions and some good crosses in.
Robert Taylor – 6
Good game in midfield. Some good passing and good help when needed in defence
Jake Sheridan – 7
Good attacking game. Did well to get forward. Seemed tireless running up and down the field.
Nicky Nicolau – 8
Great game for the midfielder, worked well across the pitch. Topped his performance off with a fantastic goal for the Imps.
Bradley Barraclough – 7
Good game for the striker. Some good play both centrally and when he drifted out to the wing.
Conner Robinson – 8
A promising young talent up front. Looks to be very aware with his positioning and timed his runs well.