Lincoln United returned to home action today, facing Brighouse Town in what turned out to be an enthralling game with the teams sharing the points at 1:1.
The Whites came into the game unbeaten in their previous six games, winning two and drawing four, whilst the visitors had not played since the first week in January, losing 3:2 to title-fighting Stocksbridge Park. Just one point separated the two sides coming into this game, sitting at 14th and 10th respectively.
Kick Off:
The opening 10 minutes of the game started lively, with both teams playing fast and exciting football to break down opposition defences.
Brighouse had the most dangerous chance within the early minutes, a low cross left Mohammed Ibrahim with a seemingly open goal. Brighouse’s number 7 got no true connection with the ball, eventually missing the target.
The Whites did, however, find their way into the game, having their fair share of possession, but no clear-cut chances.
As the half hour mark passed, neither side had a real advantage. With both teams having not scored, Lincoln had more possession, with no luck when playing the final pass into Brighouse’s 18 yard-box.
The visitors took the lead 5 minutes before the end of the first half, looking to utilise their pacey wingers as they got past Lincoln’s defence, with the resultant shot by Javelle Clarke being saved by goalkeeper Jack Steggles before an unfortunate deflection off the defender, rolling perfectly to the feet of Mohammed Qasim, who tapped it into an open goal.
Half Time: Lincoln United 0:1 Brighouse Town
Despite their domination within the first half, the home side found no opportunity to score, with Brighouse Town setting up a defensively solid side. The quick wingers of Brighouse looked dangerous, with both Clarke and Ibrahim causing the defence trouble. Through sets of misfortune, the home side found themselves behind.
Second Half:
The second half started with pure determination and dominance from the home side. A much more confident Lincoln side emerged as they tried to equalise. With this, there was a side of aggression, with challenges arriving from Brighouse defenders as they were desperate to keep their lead.
Lincoln equalised early in the second half. Defender AJ Adelekan took the ball on his chest, before driving forward and playing a neat one-two before receiving the ball just inside the 18 yard-box. A tidy left-footed volley nestled into bottom right corner. Game on…
After an hour had passed, neither side looked to be more likely to score the winner. A very even affair with both teams defending with strength and aggression to counter attacking blows.
United looked to take the lead halfway through the second half. Nice build up play from the team led to a switch from left to right, with Leo Priestley beating his man and playing a short ball into a dangerous area, with club captain Matthew Cotton hitting the crossbar from a curling effort. Advantage seemed to head towards the home side.
Neither side were holding up, both giving their best efforts to win the game. Brighouse fought back with dangerous attacks of their own, but nothing to threaten Steggles in goal.
The game ended with both teams giving their all to find the decisive goal, with a 1:1 draw keeping both teams battling to rise from their mid-table positions.
Full Time: Lincoln United 1:1 Brighouse Town
Lincoln United made it seven unbeaten after today’s result, whilst Brighouse are now two games without a win.
Next up for The Whites, a trip to Promotion fighting Stockton Town, who are desperate to close the gap to league leaders Worksop.