Cohen Bramall’s first goal for the Imps secures a much needed win for Lincoln City

The Imps’ early goals secured them a 2-1 lead against struggling Morecambe, as Joe Walsh returned to the side.

With Lincoln precariously poised in 18^th place ahead of the game, it was a must win fixture for the Imps as they entered a period of three home games in 7 days.

Visitors Morecambe were also trapped in their own relegation battle. Before their visit to the LNER Stadium they sat in 21^stplace, one point adrift from safety.

Michael Appleton named a changed line-up, as Joe Walsh, Max Sanders and Chris Maguire came into the starting eleven.

Kick Off

Both teams hit the ground running early, as Lincoln found joy down the left flank with Scully and Bramall. Morecambe also went close, as Cole Stockton had an effort blocked inside the box.

However, the Imps hit first. On the 10^th minute, TJ Eyoma set up Anthony Scully who had his effort blocked off the line. The rebound dropped to Morgan Whittaker who slotted home to score his second league goal for Lincoln. Lincoln City 1-0 Morecambe.

The Imps, then went on to control the game. Enjoying large spells of possession with Conor McGrandles and Sanders dictating the game from midfield.

Eventually, the pressure paid. Anthony Scully slipped Bramall through into the box. The left-back calmy passed the ball into the bottom left of the Morecambe net. A dream first 20 minutes for Michael Appleton’s side. Lincoln City 2-0 Morecambe.

A shellshocked Morecambe side then struggled to get a foothold in the game. Left-back Greg Leigh was their best outlet, keeping TJ Eyoma on his toes throughout the first half.

A couple of stray passes from the Lincoln midfield frustrated the crowd and offered up rare attacking opportunities for Morecambe. However, the Imps defence looked assured at all times despite Joe Walsh making his league return from injury.

Lincoln threatened to then score a third. Scully had another close-range effort blocked in a display of last ditch defending from Morecambe.

As half time came, the Imps would go into the break as comfortably having been the better side.

HALF TIME: Lincoln City 2-0 Morecambe

Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson decided to act going into the second period. Bringing on Alfie McCalmont at half time.

The change had the desired effect. Morecambe began to play themselves into the tie. Toumani Diagouraga then pulled a goal back for the Shrimps, with a low driven shot past Josh Griffiths. Lincoln City 2-1 Morecambe.

Lincoln had their confidence knocked by the goal. Sloppy passes and hesitant play began to seep into the team, highlighted as Josh Griffiths had a clearance charged down by Stockton. In a heart stopping moment the rebound fell to Jonah Ayunga. Luckily, the Imps number one got back to his feet just in time to block his shot.

A tense half an hour then followed for the Imps. Ben House came on to replace one of the goal scorers, Morgan Whittaker. Signed from National League side Eastleigh in the January transfer window, House nearly made an instant impact.

The forward broke through into the Morecambe box and would have scored. Except Carson in the Morecambe net pulled off a top class save to deny him his first Imps goal.

The Shrimps again came close as a floated ball found Alfie McCalmont who flashed a ball across the Lincoln six-yard box. Regan Poole was forced to clear the danger.

A Morecambe equaliser never materialised, as Lincoln held on for a valuable three points.

FULL TIME: Lincoln City 2-1 Morecambe

The Imps face Wycombe Wanderers next at Sincil Bank this Saturday.