Lincoln City extended their unbeaten run to seven in all competitions after an easy win over Braintree in the Blue Square Bet Premier league match on Tuesday, November 6th.
Before the game, Imps striker, Jamie Taylor was presented with the Player of the Month award and Lincoln got off the perfect start.
Jake Sheridan’s deflected effort was misjudged by Braintree goalkeeper, Danny Naisbitt, and it gave the Imps a 1-0 lead.
On eleven minutes, Taylor nearly celebrated his award in his style with a goal, but his shot was blocked by Naisbitt.
Braintree’s first real effort was when Bradley Quinton took a free-kick, which was straight at Paul Farman. With a quarter of an hour played, the Essex club forced a corner, but Dan Holman fired the shot a long way over when the ball fell to him.
Lincoln had a couple of moments of their own in the minutes that followed. Adam Smith shot over from outside the box, and Jamie Taylor found himself one-on-one with Danny Naisbitt, but the goalkeeper recovered the situation.
The visitors pushed to equalise at the end of the first half, but Nicky Symons could not keep his effort down. Lincoln went into the break a goal up.
The Imps wasted no time in trying to add to their lead, and they did so just after the break. A corner found its way to Jamie Taylor, who crossed for Andrew Boyce. Boyce headed home his third of the season to make it 2-0 to the Imps.
Moments later, Taylor got the goal he deserved. He latched on to a weak defensive header and walked the ball in to make it 3-0.
Braintree made their first change on the hour, bringing on Daniel Sparkes for Nicky Symons. The Imps also made a change, introducing Vadaine Oliver and Colin Larkin in place of Alan Power and Taylor, who received huge applause from the fans.
The visitors had half-chances after they made the changes. Braintree forced two corners and Darren Quinton shot wide. Kaine Sheppard also had a shot deflected wide.
The last quarter of an hour was a quiet affair with the exception of a penalty shout for Lincoln. Jake Sheridan took a tumble but the decision went against the home side.
The score remained 3-0 to Lincoln until the final whistle.
Player ratings
Paul Farman – 6
Did not have to do too much, but was solid and reliable.
Peter Gilbert – 6
Rarely troubled but passed the ball well.
Andrew Boyce – 6
Solid performance and got a goal too.
Tom Miller – 5
Rarely touched the ball but will be delighted to see his team keep a clean sheet
Dan Gray – 6
Pushed forward but had a solid, yet unspectacular, game.
Gary Mills – 6
Took free-kicks and maintained his position well.
Mamadou Fofana – 7
Made some good touches and worked hard in midfield.
Adam Smith – 7
Worked hard on the wing and was present in many of the attacks.
Jake Sheridan – 7
Worked equally hard out wide and looked dangerous.
Alan Power – 5
Not his best game and was taken off.
Jamie Taylor – 8
The Linc Sport Man of the Match. A goal, an assist and all-round great performance.
Substitutions
Vadaine Oliver – 5
Not particularly effective, but didn’t get enough time to prove his worth.
David Morgan – 5
Did not play a big role as a late substitute.
Colin Larkin – 6
Ran around up front but lacked conviction.