A positive Lincoln United display saw the Whites hold Cleethorpes Town to a 1-1 draw at Ashby Avenue.
The visitors took the lead through a Paul Walker goal in the first half, before Jake Park made the scores level midway through the second half.
Sam Wilkinson’s side entered the game off the back of a winning start to their league campaign following a 3-1 win away at Carlton Town, and the positivity showed throughout the game.
The Whites proved tough opposition for their opponents, who finished fifth last season in the Northern Premier League south east division.
First Half
A fast-paced opening ten minutes saw little separating the two sides. Neither goalkeeper was troubled, but both teams looked to move the ball quickly and threaten the opposition box.
The visitors then took control of the game, and a series of threatening corners saw them take the lead in the 17th minute, as Paul Walker’s low shot from three yards found the back of the net.
United, though, did not crumble under pressure, which at times they may have done last season. Despite creating few chances, they held their own against a side who will be expecting to challenge for the play-offs this season.
Jake McMenenemy was the first Lincoln player to force visiting goalkeeper Theo Richardson into making a save, although his shot from the edge of the box was easily dealt with.
Cleethorpes then went close to doubling their lead in the 39th minute. A goal-kick from Richardson beat the Whites’ defence, leading to Jon Oglesby being left one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, his superb volley could only hit the post.
Second Half
The second half began in similar fashion to the first. Lincoln were the first to put on the pressure, but it was Cleethorpes who came closest first.
A low cross into the box in the 49th minute found former Grimsby Town striker Ross Hannah, whose shot should have found the target, but instead went blazing over the bar.
The Whites then equalised through Jake Park, who was gifted an easy chance after a mistake by visiting ‘keeper Richardson left an open net for Park to fire home. While the goal came against the run of play, it was Lincoln’s reward for strong defending.
Despite the game opening up following United’s equaliser, neither side could create threatening chances at goal.
The Whites continued to hold their own against their play-off chasing opponents. Sam Wilkinson’s side looked positive in attack as they looked to play balls in behind.
As the game drew to a close, both sides looked for a late winner. Curtis Bateson had the best chance for the visitors, but could only send his shot over the bar.
In a fast-paced game full of late tackles, the Whites will no doubt feel the better of the two sides.
Attendance: 252