Lincoln United have equalled their best record in the FA Vase, sneaking past Hallam FC on penalties at Sandygate.
The Whites came into this game in fine form, beating locals Sleaford Town 5-0 in the County Trophy semi-final.
Today’s win has sealed Lincoln’s place in the quarter-finals of the FA Vase, meaning that they are still in all four competitions this season.
First-Half:
The game started off slowly, as both teams tried to work each other out and shake off any nerves to try to progress to the quarter finals.
The Countrymen had the first half chance of the game. After being caught out high in possession, a shot from just in front of the halfway line got Jack Steggles worried, but the ball passed just wide of the post.
Lincoln United thought they took the lead, only to be stopped by the offside flag. A brilliant run from Harry Millard created himself space, and the wingers’ effort drilled into the bottom right corner. The flag stopped any early United celebrations.
Hallam didn’t let Lincoln chances affect their game, as they continued to create chances themselves, but that didn’t stop United.
Lincoln United took the lead just after 25 minutes. A cross from McMenemy was met by a sweet flick from Jake Park, and the Whites found themselves ahead.
The rest of the half was much calmer. Hallam had a few half-chances, trying to break through Whites defences and goalkeeper, only to be stopped before they could get any shots off.
Second-Half:
The second-half whistle blew, and Hallam players seemed to have woken up. They came at United with a new level of intensity, and they didn’t seem to know how to deal with it.
Less than five minutes into the second-half, Hallam exploited a mistake by Steggles. Brandon Bradbruy made a great run to break through, and his shot was spilt by the United ‘keeper, who couldn’t retrieve the ball and allowed Zottos to equalise.
The goal gave Hallam a real boost. The Countrymen kept attacking, and United could only save themselves from conceding in final phases of opportunities.
Eventually Lincoln managed to get themselves back into threatening positions and won a penalty. In the aftermath of a corner, Sean Wright had his heel clipped and went down, only to see the referee point to the spot.
Tobias Liversidge converted from the spot, calmly placing the ball into the back of the net.
The game then took a turn. As weather conditions worsened, Hallam started to pile on the pressure and eventually found themselves an opportunity.
With 85 minutes on the clock, the referee found himself pointing to the penalty spot, this time to the delight of Hallam fans. Mitch Griffiths fouled Irene Wilson in the box, and the official felt there was enough in it to send the defender for an early shower.
Danny Buttle buried his effort, and both sides found themselves ready for a penalty shootout.
Full Time: Hallam FC 2-2 Lincoln United
The Penalties…
After the first ten penalties, every player had converted.
Billy Brooks converted United’s sixth, and all pressure came onto the final Hallam taker. His effort was superbly saved by Steggles, who made himself the hero of the day as Lincoln progress to the last eight.
That win leaves Lincoln with a home tie against Deal Town, who beat Bridgwater United on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Lincoln United are now just three games away from playing at Wembley Stadium, in the Isuzu FA Vase final.
Only 2 games away from Wembley, not 3….
Hi Jason. The semi-final has home and away legs, so it’s three games with the quarter-finals and two-legged semis. Thanks – Jamie