Lincoln City maintained their unbeaten home record with a goalless draw against Wycombe Wanderers. The game wasn’t filled with chances, but it had its moments, especially in the second half.
Christmas songs rang out around the LNER Stadium, but the festive cheer wasn’t translated onto the pitch. Neither side looked that dangerous on the attacking end for the majority of the match.
Mark Kennedy made one change from the team that lost 2-0 to Shrewsbury last week, bringing in Adam Jackson for TJ Eyoma at the back. Lincoln were hoping to bounce back from their defeat, attempting to improve a mixed run of form, which has seen two wins, two draws and two losses in their last six.
On the other side, Wycombe were looking to make it back-to-back wins after beating Portsmouth last time out. Former Lincoln player, Gareth Ainsworth, named an unchanged line-up, with Sam Vokes remaining on the bench.
The Imps sat in 12th position as the teams kicked-off, 2 points and 2 places behind the visitors, with a game in-hand.
Before the game, Sincil Bank stood in applause to remember the last surviving World War II ‘Dambuster’, George “Johnny” Johnson, who passed away last week.
Kick-Off:
It was a first half of good build-up play, but minimal chances. The last 5 minutes of the half offered opportunities for both teams, with Jamie Robson almost prodding a ball across his own box into the net, while Charles Vernam had a big chance to score in the right net for the home side.
It was a back and forth opening few minutes, with the closest to a goal being a Wycombe corner pinballing around the box.
Imps’ centre-back Paudie O’Connor hit the post with a header from a dangerous corner in the early goings, but other shots on goal were limited to routine saves and crowd catches.
Wycombe targeted left wing-back Jamie Robinson throughout the first half, but for all the promising build-up play, they couldn’t find a decisive effort.
Vernam’s chance towards the end of the half was a good one, but his side-footed effort from the left of the goal rolled just past the far post.
Wycombe’s only chance of note came as a result of Robson’s nervy defending, as he lunged at a ball sent across the box. Luckily for Lincoln his touch landed in the hands of goalkeeper Carl Robinson and not in the back of the Imps’ net.
Along with the work down their right flank, Wycombe sent in a number of corners throughout the half. Some of them threatened the otherwise untroubled Imps defence.
Lincoln were happy to keep possession and pass the ball around the park, but the Chairboys’ press meant the game remained on an even-footing as referee Thomas Kirk blew for half time.
Second-half:
Both teams went unchanged at the break, but the second half began in much more energetic fashion. Lincoln’s Matty Virtue fired over from just outside the box before Wycombe threatened with a hectic scramble inside the box.
The visitors had numerous shots on goal in the move, but the best effort only saw Brandon Hanlan hit the woodwork.
Ben House’s heavy touch stopped him from having a clear-cut chance 6 minutes into the second half, as he worked his way into the box following a Jack Diamond through-ball.
Ex-Premier League striker Sam Vokes came on for Hanlan just after the hour mark, but the game quietened back down to the pace of the first half.
Man of the Match Matty Virtue was leaning back as he shot over from just outside the box, with just over 15 minutes remaining. Mark Kennedy was also impressed with his performance, saying post-match that “he was our best player today”, especially with his work out of possession.
With 10 minutes left, a feeling of agitation took over the LNER Stadium.
Wycombe players were repeatedly caught offside as the Imps took control. Jack Diamond, Jamie Robson and substitute Danny Mandroiu all had chances to clinch it in the last 10 minutes, but nothing came of them.
Lincoln were firmly on the front foot into the 3 minutes of stoppage time, but a long-throw and a free kick couldn’t provide the vital touch.
Full time: Lincoln City 0-0 Wycombe Wanderers
A sharing of the points was a fair result for a game where defences were on top and clear-cut chances were limited. Wycombe remain a bogey team for Lincoln, as the Imps are now 8 league games without a win over the Chairboys, dating back to 2009.
Wycombe moved up to 9th in League One, meanwhile Lincoln dropped to 14th, despite being only 4 points from the playoff spots.