Despite taking the lead through John Marquis, goals from Joe Powell and Sam Hughes saw Burton Albion leave with a 2-1 win.
Lincoln City were sat in 16th place prior to this afternoon’s action whilst Burton Albion were five points ahead in 11th.
Photo Credit – Jack Macdonald
Liam Cullen got the game underway on a very windy but clear afternoon at the LNER stadium.
It was nearly a disastrous start for the Imps after 2 minutes when Josh Griffiths was unable to properly control a back pass and his clearance cannoned off Daniel Jebbison inside the box but luckily flew across the face of goal.
The game started in a scrappy fashion and in a crazy 30 second spell Gassan Ahadme nearly poked Burton ahead, and the resulting counterattack saw Lincoln through three on two, but a combination of John Marquis and Anthony Scully couldn’t test the keeper with Burton defending well.
The intensity continued and it looked like either team could take the lead. On loan Sheffield United striker Jebbison was looking lively and saw his flick palmed away by Griffiths.
In line with the scrappy nature of the start to the game challenges were starting to fly in and referee Charles Breakspear awarded the first yellow card after 19 minutes to Albion defender Deji Oshilaja after a robust challenge on Bramall.
Lincoln had a great chance to go ahead after 36 minutes when the ball fell to Morgan Whittaker just outside the six-yard box. His half volley was hit well but blocked by Burton captain John Brayford and out for a corner.
It was the visitors who nearly took the lead just before half time. A left footed volley from first half substitute Louis Moult had to be spectacularly saved by Griffiths to keep the score level.
Photo Credit – Finley Cannon
In a half where chances were carved out by both sides a lack of quality in the finishing saw the teams go into the break at 0-0.
HALF TIME: Lincoln City 0-0 Burton Albion
The Imps couldn’t have asked for a better start to the second half going ahead on 49 minutes. New signing John Marquis made it two goals in two appearances firing into the top corner at the back post from a low cross. Lincoln City 1-0 Burton Albion.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side looked to equalise straight away and on 55 minutes Moult forced Griffiths into another acrobatic save firing a curling strike towards the top right corner.
However only one minute later his side did equalise. After some pinball in the Lincoln box, Joe Powell reacted to the loose ball and slotted past a helpless Griffiths. Lincoln City 1-1 Burton Albion.
Marquis was again causing problems for the Brewers back line, combining with Liam Cullen before testing Ben Garratt who tipped his low shot wide.
The game was continuing in the same end to end fashion as the first with both sides looking for the winner and creating opportunities, but again the final product was letting them down.
A battle between Marquis and Sam Hughes was starting to develop with the pair exchanging challenges and having a little scuffle by the Co-op stand to which Breakspear stopped play but didn’t caution either player.
It was Hughes who put the Brewers ahead for the first time in the match to the delight of the 450 travelling fans. On 80 minutes the defender directed his low header into the bottom left corner from earlier goal scorer Joe Powell’s corner kick. Lincoln City 1-2 Burton Albion.
In an attacking change to try and earn a point Michael Appleton brought on new signing Ben House for his debut for Cullen with 4 minutes remaining.
Despite 4 minutes of additional time, Lincoln could not find an equaliser, falling to a disappointing defeat, especially with going ahead.
They now travel to highflyers MK Dons on Saturday looking to make amends.
FULL TIME: Lincoln City 1-2 Burton Albion