Lincoln’s non-league visitors had the best chance of the first half in a physical encounter, between two teams separated by 99 league positions.
A swirling wind filled the LNER Stadium for the FA Cup First Round fixture between Lincoln City and Bowers and Pitsea, of the 7th tier of English football. The game was the biggest gulf in league positions out of all of the first-round ties.
The Last Post and minutes silence were observed perfectly by everyone in the ground prior to kick-off and the start of the game was greeted with a roar of anticipation.
Photo Credit – Zack Oaten
The visitors lined up in a compact 4-5-1, happy to withstand pressure, forcing the hosts to an effort from outside the box by Ted Bishop which was parried wide by former Chelsea goalkeeper, Mitchell Beeney. The resultant corner was met by Max Sanders but Beeney was comfortable with the effort.
Quentin Monville caused problems for the visitors, trickery out wide and a long-throw causing panic amongst the Lincoln defence.
It was Monville’s long throw that led to the best chance of the half. In the 17th minute, Bowers and Pitsea’s Max Cornhill met a long throw, with a volleyed shot from inside the box that forced Sam Long to tip the ball onto the cross-bar, causing a moment of excitement amongst the travelling fans.
Lincoln City put the pressure back on the non-league minnows, forcing multiple corners, however the Imps were unable to take advantage of the set-pieces.
Photo Credit – Finley Cannon
In the 25th minute, the game looked like it was going to boil over, when Ted Bishop was taken out by a heavy challenge from the Bowers’ captain, Jamie Dicks directly in front of both benches. Dan Llundulu took a particular dislike to the challenge and both sets of players got involved before the officials were able to separate them. Both Nlundulu and Dicks were shown yellow cards for their involvement.
Ten minutes later, Bowers came close when Sam Long was forced to save a free-kick whipped into the box, which nobody was able to meet.
The visitors were forced into a first half change, Danny Norton limping off to be replaced by former Charlton Athletic academy man, Luca Albon.
Neither side were able to create a clear chance for the remainder of the first half and Bowers and Pitsea went into the break level with the side 99 league places above them.
Half-time: Lincoln City 0 – 0 Bowers and Pitsea
The Imps made an early change in the second half, young defender Sean Roughan replaced by 17-year-old striker Freddie Draper, a message of intent by Michael Appleton.
The Imps began to threaten in the minutes that followed, Chris Maguire forcing a save in the 57th and Hakeeb Adelakun hitting the post on 63 minutes.
Three minutes later, Lincoln City made the pressure count. Bowers and Pitsea unable to clear the ball which fell to the feet of Max Sanders, who fired the ball into the roof of the net. His first goal for the Imps, in what has been a somewhat difficult start to his Imps career. Lincoln City 1 – 0 Bowers and Pitsea.
Beeney made back-to-back saves on 73 minutes, preventing close range efforts from Nlundulu and Maguire, to keep the deficit to one goal.
Freddie Draper was denied his first senior goal in the 82nd minute. Mitchell Beeney making a finger tip save.
The game opened up in the remaining minutes, but neither side was able to take their chances.
With the last kick of the game, the visitors came close, pushing numbers forward and delivering a looping cross, which was met by Sam Long in the Lincoln goal.
The referee brought the game to an end, with the Imps progressing to the next round.
Full-time: Lincoln City 1 – 0 Bowers and Pitsea
Bowers and Pitsea could be proud of the performance and result against the Imps, four divisions higher. The travelling fans and players coming together to celebrate their achievement after the game.
Photo Credit – Josh Addison