A rain soaked LNER Stadium welcomed the pilgrims after their long journey up from Devon. Lincoln City, still with a number of key players out injured, came into the game looking to get back to winning ways after their midweek defeat in Morecombe, whilst the visitors were looking to continue their positive start to the season which saw them sat in 4th prior to kick off.
The Argyle fans were in full voice and strong numbers despite the 600 mile round trip they were making.
Kick off
The game started with the midfields of both sides battling hard for possession.
Josh Griffiths was forced to make an early save, diving to keep a shot from Ryan Broom which looked to be heading towards the top corner.
Initially, Lincoln City looked dangerous through their counter attacks, with Anthony Scully providing a threat down the right wing, however the chances came to nothing. The lack of a recognised winger on the left leading to a lop-sided attack.
Argyle were capitalising on sloppy possession by the hosts, passes going wayward in good attacking positions.
In the 15th minute, a Lincoln counter attack came close but a last-ditch block in the Argyle box meant that the chance came to nothing. The Plymouth Argyle attack that followed was put over the bar after Josh Griffiths came up fast out of his box to pressure the on-rushing Ryan Hardie.
On 20 minutes, Ryan Hardie put another chance over after a fast counter attack.
In the 24th minute, a mistake from a Lincoln City throw-in put the Argyle striker one-on-one with Josh Griffiths, Hardie slotted the ball home past the keeper. Lincoln City 0-1 Plymouth Argyle.
Things went from bad to worse for the Imps. Captain, Liam Bridcutt was forced off with what looked like a knee injury in the 30th minute. Replaced by left-back Jamie Robson.
In the 36th minute a Plymouth Argyle second goal was disallowed for offside after a free kick was whipped into the box and headed in at the back post by Ryan Broom who picked up a knock in the process. The score remained 0-1.
The Imps’ defenders were forced to make three blocks just before half time to keep the deficit to just one.
Half time:Lincoln City 0-1 Plymouth Argyle
The Imps started the second half well, looking dangerous and more balanced out wide with Bramall now playing on the left-wing and Robson behind him.
A number of attacks broke down easily and Anthony Scully was clearly getting frustrated, dropping deep to pick up the ball.
To the hosts’ dismay, Regan Poole was forced off with an injury in the 65th minute, adding to the Imps’ ever-growing injury list. He was replaced by Max Sanders, Ted Bishop dropping to fill in at right-back.
The Imps made their ventures down the wing count in the 67th minute. Lasse Sorensen meeting a low cross driven into the box by Cohen Bramall. The Argyle defender slipping, leaving Sorensen free to slot the ball low and bring the score level. Lincoln City 1-1 Plymouth Argyle
Bramall was replaced shortly after, Chris Maguire coming on in his place. Maguire soon met a low cross, but he was only able to put the ball into the arms of Mike Cooper in the Argyle net. The crowd was lifted by the chance, getting behind the players.
Josh Griffiths was forced into a great, reaching save after a shot looked to be going into the top corner.
The visitors re-took the lead in the 74th minute, Brendan Galloway staying onside to flick a good set piece delivery past Griffiths. Lincoln City 1-2 Plymouth Argyle.
On 88 minutes, just as it looked as though the three points were going to Plymouth, Lasse Sorensen was played in, Brendan Galloway brought him down just inside the box. Penalty to Lincoln. Anthony Scully stepped up and scored the spot kick which was met by a roar from the elated home crowd. Lincoln City 2-2 Plymouth Argyle.
In added time there was scuffle between Chris Maguire and an Argyle defender which resulted in all of the players running over to get involved. Both players were shown yellow cards.
Neither team came close late on and the score remained level at full time. The Imps who move to 16th, likely much happier with the result than their visitors, who climb to 3rd with the draw.
Full-time: Lincoln City 2-2 Plymouth Argyle