Cambridge United took all three points as they scored a late winner in a game that Lincoln City dominated.
Lincoln faced the dangerous prospect of a Cambridge United side riding a wave of FA Cup giant killing glory, following their away win at Newcastle United in the third round.
Midweek signing Liam Cullen slotted straight into Lincoln City’s starting line-up following his arrival from Swansea City on loan.
The Imps were without key defender Lewis Montsma, who faces a nine-month spell on the side-line with an ACL injury.
Kick-off
The opening twenty minutes of the game saw very few chances created by either side, with both struggling to maintain possession for any extended period of time.
The hosts settled into the game first, Cohen Bramall’s overlapping runs past Anthony Scully causing problems for the Cambridge United right back, Bramall forcing the Cambridge defence to stay alert with his low crosses into the box.
The visitor’s long balls were comfortably dealt with by Eyoma and Poole, United’s FA cup hero, Joe Ironside unable to take control of the game.
The Imps continued to threaten down the flanks, overloading the Cambridge fullbacks, but they were unable to take the chances created by the low-crosses into the box. Cullen was showing good movement on his debut.
In the 41st minute, Lincoln’s Chris Maguire was put through one-on-one with Dimitar Mitov, following a defence splitting through ball by Conor McGrandles. Maguire was unable to put the ball past the on-rushing Cambridge goalkeeper, the Bulgarian shot-stopper forcing the ball out for a corner.
Mitov was forced into a good save, low to his right on 45 minutes, when Liam Cullen met a low ball, whipped across the face of goal by Cohen Bramall.
The two sides went into the half-time break scoreless, Michael Appleton probably the happier of the two managers with his side creating more chances.
Half-time
Lincoln City 0-0 Cambridge United
Cambridge came out for the second half pressing higher than the first, but the Imps continued to force the overlap out wide.
Joe Ironside sent the more than 600 strong visiting fans crazy on 57 minutes, when he thought he had given his side the lead. Their cheers were soon cut short, the striker judged to be offside.
Former Norwich City midfielder, Wes Hoolahan was introduced in the 61st minute. The Irishman becoming a real fan favourite at Cambridge since joining.
The Imps continued to create chances, but their exciting, new-look forward line were unable to finish.
Lincoln fans and management will be concerned as Ted Bishop was forced off with a groin injury in the final ten minutes, the makeshift right-back joining the Imps’ ever-growing injury list.
Lincoln were made to pay for the chances they failed to take. The visitor’s FA Cup hero, Joe Ironside scoring a 90th minute winner, heading a ball, that the Imps failed to clear, past Josh Griffiths, sending the travelling support wild behind the goal. Lincoln City 0-1 Cambridge United
The Imps desperately tried to get back into the game, but the visitors held steady until the final whistle.
Full-time
Lincoln City 0-1 Cambridge United
Michael Appleton’s side will be disappointed with the loss, his side failing take advantage of their dominance and the countless chances they created.
They will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they visit Rotherham on Tuesday.