Lincoln United produced an FA Cup upset, defeating Kidsgrove Athletic in convincing fashion at Ashby Avenue. Matt Cotton scored a double as Chris Funnell’s side made their way into the second qualifying round and extended their good run of form.
Hosting league leaders from the tier above didn’t look an easy task on paper, but Lincoln produced a dominant performance to come away victorious.
United have twice in their history reached the FA Cup First Round proper, but not since 1998. They would have to win four qualifying games to achieve that feat again.
Kidsgrove stood in their way today, looking to continue their 100% start to the season that has seen five wins and 20 goals in five games.
The travelling ‘Grove’ were perched in top spot of the Northern Premier League West Division, in the eighth tier of English football.
Meanwhile, ‘The Whites’ had started the season strongly too, sitting second in the Uhlsport United Counties League Premier Division North. They came into this cup tier on the back of six unbeaten games, including a duo of 2-1 victories over the recent bank holiday weekend.
First-Half:
Despite sitting one tier below their opponents in the football pyramid, Lincoln United had the better of the first-half. After a frantic, back-and-forth start, the home side took the lead.
On 17 minutes, prominent goal threat Jack McMenemy turned provider as he flicked the ball onto captain Matt Cotton, who gracefully placed the ball past the Kidsgrove Athletic goalkeeper.
From this, Lincoln began to control the game, with Kidsgrove struggling to trouble goalkeeper Jack Steggles.
Callum Foster couldn’t convert a Ted Gibbons cross at the back post, Jack McMenemy forced a good save from Kidsgrove goalkeeper Kieran Harrison and Tobias Liversidge fired a shot wide in a long list of chances for Lincoln.
Kidsgrove produced their best chance as the half drew to a close. Jimmy Garlick had an effort from the edge of the box deflected just wide of the goal at the Allen Crombie End.
The visitors came to Lincolnshire off the back of an impressive bank holiday weekend, with 3-0 and 4-2 wins. However, they struggled to trouble the Lincoln United backline in a first-half where they were firmly second best.
Second-Half:
The second-half started in much the same fashion as the first, with Lincoln United coming out all guns blazing. They created a few early chances, chief among them a Kallum Smith cross that almost found a clinical header.
Jack McMenemy thought he had scored Lincoln’s second as he rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the net, but the linesman’s flag cut short the celebrations.
Just minutes later, Tobias Liversidge is presented with a wonderful chance. He had time and space in the centre of the box, but his effort found Kidsgrove Athletic goalkeeper Kieran Harrison’s hands rather than the back of his net.
As the hour mark ticked by, Lincoln United found the breathing space they desired. Matt Cotton added his second of the game, converting a one-on-one after Jack McMemeny once again flicked the ball around the defender and into his path.
Jack McMenemy had scored five goals in the last four games before Kidsgrove’s visit, but turned into the provider today with two assists.
Cotton almost completed his hat-trick with 65 minutes gone, but the game’s star-man couldn’t convert a golden chance at the back post.
As the game edged towards the finish, Kidsgrove created a number of solid chances. They worked hard to find a goal, but they couldn’t beat the Lincoln backline and a clean sheet was secured.
Lincoln United 2-0 Kidsgrove Athletic
Ashby Avenue had a sprinkling of FA Cup magic in the sunshine, as Lincoln United came away deserved winners against a table-topping side from the tier above.
Jack McMenemy provided two assists and Matt Cotton two goals, as the home side dominated the tie.
The Whites’ fans would be happy with the afternoon’s result, but it could’ve been even more impressive, as Lincoln had chances to stretch the scoreline.
In his programme notes, manager Chris Funnell wrote “if our lads perform to their full potential, an upset could be on the cards.” Fittingly, he wasn’t surprised post-match that his side had managed to come away with the against-the-odds victory.