Lincoln City cruised to a 3-1 win over struggling Nuneaton Town at Sincil Bank to get Chris Moyses’ permanent managerial reign off to the perfect start.
Two goals from Jordan Burrow and a neat finish from Ben Tomlinson helped the Imps to a comfortable victory on a blustery evening in Lincoln.
Chris Moyses had sent his team to Skegness during the week for some winter weather training and it seemed to have paid off after a blistering start.
The Imps took the lead in the opening ten minutes. Marcus Marshall surged at the Nuneaton defence and pulled the ball back to Burrow.
The England “C” striker expertly flicked the ball beyond Christian Dibble to give Lincoln a deserved lead.
Moyses’ men were full of confidence with Marshall and Jake Caprice in particular causing Nuneaton full back Connor Franklin all sorts of problems.
Their efforts paid dividends once again ten minutes later. Caprice was allowed too much space on the right flank and he drew the ball back to Ben Tomlinson who produced a neat finish to make it 2-0.
Nuneaton had a good spell after Lincoln’s second and almost pulled a goal back after Imps keeper Paul Farman dropped the ball in his six yard area only for Hamza Bencherif to clear it off the line.
However, their bright period only lasted ten minutes and the Imps went in at half time well in control.
Play resumed and it was much more of the same from Lincoln. Midfield trio of Jon Nolan, Charlee Adams and Alan Power were well in charge of possession
Nuneaton were offering next to nothing up front and were punished on the hour mark.
Right back Ben Starosta’s header was too hard for keeper Dibble to handle and he could only palm the ball into Burrow’s path.
It was a gift for the Imps frontman and he tapped into an empty net to leave Lincoln 3-0 up and cruising.
Moyses’ men could have made in four after Adams’ shot was scuffed wide after good retrieval work by captain Power but Nuneaton’s misery was compounded with 15 minutes left.
Captain Theo Streete was beaten to the ball by the ever lively substitute Conner Robinson and the young winger was brought down when through on goal.
This resulted in a straight red card, leaving Nuneaton’s 18 travelling fans in disbelief.
However, they did have something to cheer in the dying minutes after Gavin Cowan nodded the ball home after a deep free kick.
It was a mere consolation goal for Nuneaton and it leaves them rooted in the relegation zone, still searching for their first away win of the season.
Meanwhile, Lincoln City continue to go from strength to strength under the stewardship of Moyses and Grant Brown.
The managerial duo have had a strong start to their reign and will be looking to mount a serious play off challenge in the coming months.
Imps goalscorer Jordan Burrow said after the match: “It’s nice to get back amongst the goals. I’ve got that little flick in my locker and the boys gave me a bit of a stick in the dressing room but it’s nice to see it come off.”
Assistant manager Grant Brown said the early goal was vital: “2-0 was a nice score line to go into half time with and we knew the next goal would be crucial.
“Chris [Moyses] and I are delighted win three home wins on the spin but we’ve got to keep grounded and take one game at a time.”
Player ratings
Paul Farman – 6 – a spectator for much of the match.
Jake Caprice – 7 – had an electric first half, bombing forward at every opportunity.
Tom Miller – 7 – once again solid at the back.
Hamza Bencherif – 8 – never troubled and looks at ease in his new CB role.
Sean Newton – 7 – always looked a threat, particularly on the break
Charlee Adams – 6 – controlled to midfield with ease. Wasted a few chances as well.
Jon Nolan – 6 – assured display, comfortable in possession.
Alan Power – 7 – broke up play with ease. Playing very well at the moment.
Marcus Marshall – 7 – electrifying pace troubled the Nuneaton full back regularly.
Ben Tomlinson – 6 – ever reliant on the front foot, well taken goal.
Jordan Burrow – 8 – brilliant forward’s performance. Took his 2 goals expertly well.
Subs:
Arnaud Mendy – 6
Conner Robinson – 6
Tyrell Waite – 5
By Liam Ray (@Ray11Liam)