Lincoln City were beaten 0-1 by Doncaster Rovers, in a game that they dominated.
Lincoln City came into the game sitting in 17th, following their home draw with Wycombe Wanderers. The Visitors, Doncaster Rovers were propping up the Sky Bet League One table having won just one of their last five games and were beaten 4-0 by Portsmouth in their last game.
Imps’ fans will have been pleased to see Joe Walsh returning to the starting line-up after missing the last game. Striker, Tom Hopper was back in the matchday squad after a long spell out with injury.
Kick-off
There was an early scare for Doncaster keeper, Johnny Mitchell. His attempt to punch away a Lincoln cross resulting in the ball going behind for a corner.
Imps’ forward, Morgan Whittaker had the first good chance of the game after fifteen minutes, carrying the ball from his own half. Good link-up play with Norton-Cuffy found Whittaker with space to shoot but his effort was saved by Mitchell.
Lincoln put the pressure on the visitors, dominating possession and creating a number of chances, but the Doncaster defence stayed rigid throughout.
On 35 minutes there was a scramble in the Doncaster six-yard area, Imps players attempting to bundle the ball into the net. The Rovers’ defence were brave and eventually cleared the ball.
Four minutes later, former Doncaster forward, John Marquis was one-on-one with Mitchell, he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet and the Doncaster keeper was able to dive on the ball.
Liam Cullen had what was probably the best chance of the half, just before half-time. His shot going well-over, after Brooke Norton-Cuffy beat two Doncaster defenders before delivering a low cross.
Doncaster’s only shot of the half came moments later. Ben Jackson took aim from range, but his attempt flew over the Lincoln City goal, Josh Griffiths with nothing to do.
The first-half ended goalless, despite Lincoln City dominating.
HALF-TIME: Lincoln City 0-0 Doncaster Rovers
The second-half started as the first ended, Lincoln dominating much of the possession, but the Doncaster defence stayed organised and kept the Imps out.
On 66 minutes the game was halted as stewards and medical staff from both sides entered the crowd due to a medical emergency. The players were then asked to leave the pitch by the referee.
The game resumed after the fan received treatment and was taken for further assistance, Lincoln City confirmed on Twitter.
Doncaster were given the chance to shock their hosts, when in the 73rd minute Tommy Rowe took aim at goal and Joe Walsh was judged to have committed a handball. Rovers were awarded a penalty, which Dan Gardner fired past Josh Griffiths in front of over 1000 travelling fans. Lincoln City 0-1 Doncaster Rovers
Photo Credit – Finley Cannon
Lincoln pushed to get back into the game in the minutes that followed. On 83 minutes Joe Walsh attempted to fire a loose ball home after it wasn’t cleared in the Doncaster box. He was shown a second yellow after fouling two Doncaster defenders whilst shooting. The Imps were down to ten men for the remaining minutes.
Despite their efforts late on, Appleton’s side were unable to get back into the game as Doncaster defended resolutely, with their fans roaring them on to victory.
FULL-TIME: Lincoln City 0-1 Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster celebrated with their fans who had been behind their team all throughout the game.
Lincoln travel to Fleetwood for their next game and will be desperate to bounce back from this defeat. However, the result seemed unimportant, the medical emergency overshadowing the football.