Lincoln United returned to Ashby Avenue on Tuesday night looking to build on the good form that the Whites have endured in the last few weeks, picking up maximum points in their last 3 outings. However Grimsby Borough turned out to be too much for the Whites, as they took all three points from the game, winning 0-2.
A feisty and stop-start contest began with a yellow card for Borough midfielder Owen Davey for a strong challenge in the early minutes. The hosts started well, with Cotton having a deflected free-kick climb just too high over the bar. Moments later striker Jake Park flicked his effort for United onto the bar and was eventually cleared by the Grimsby defence. Tobias Liversidge also had an effort from the edge of the box, but lashed his strike high and wide of the target.
Visitors Borough eventually grew into the game, and began to create chances of their own with York having a strike, but his effort was only straight at goalkeeper Steggles Tom Jamieson then had a turn to have an effort at the United net, but Steggles spread himself well, and charged down the effort.
Over the course of the match, 9 yellow cards were shown by referee William Booth, three of which where accumulated within a matter of moments. Liversidge for United and Goundry for Borough had some afters following a hard challenge, earning a yellow each, and Park was too strong on his challenge of the visitors goalkeeper, as the game threatened to become out of control.
As the first half concluded, United collapsed, conceding twice in 5 minutes to give the visitors the advantage going into half-time. Firstly Winfarrah produced a beautiful outside of the boot effort from inside the box, to curl his effort beyond Steggles. Winger Essel must take credit too for his involvement, and the vision to pick out Winfarrah inside the box too.
Grimsby’s lead was doubled quickly too as Tom Jamieson then got on the score sheet moments before the break. He reacted first to a knocked-down header from a free-kick to stab the ball beyond the line to give the hosts plenty of work to do in the second half.
As the second half began, United looked to stretch the game more, which worked from the start as Tobias Liversidge had a glorious chance to pull one back, but his poked shot was equally matched by a fine save by Borough goalkeeper Higton. Despite the strong start to the second half, the visitors too had their opportunities, forcing goalkeeper Steggles to make a couple saves in as many minutes, including a save from point blank range to deny Essel’s header on the line.
Within the second half, Lincoln had a fair amount of possession, without challenging goalkeeper Higton too much, with Grimsby happy to play on the counter-attack as they looked to see the game out. Smith and Adelekan both had efforts drift wide of the mark, before Park also had a chance sway off target.
Within the final 10 minutes there was time for 5 more cautions to be handed out, as the time-wasting antics began. Few chances remained to be seen in the game for the hosts as they desperately searched for a route back into the game, but the chances came at the other end for Borough on the counter attack. Substitute Trott somehow missed a clear open goal in added time to seal the game for Grimsby but got his timing all wrong and lashed his effort high and wide. The final action of the game saw Cotton try to bend a shot with his right foot from the edge of the box which was well held by Higton.
A disappointing result for Lincoln United as their run of successive wins comes to an end. They turn their attention to Saturday and their away trip to Shildon. For Grimsby a big win and they look forward to Saturday when they host Stocksbridge Park Steels.