Lincoln United were denied a chance to reach the final of the SGD Knockout League Cup, thanks to a goal from Skegness captain Ben Davison.
They were beaten 1-0 by Skegness Town at the Vertigo Stadium, falling out of the cup competition just one step away from the final.
Following the disappointing defeat in the semi-final of the Isuzu FA Vase on Saturday, manager Chris Funnell chose to make four changes. Kallum Smith, Ify Ofoegbu, Billy Brooks and Harry Millard all came into the starting-11 for the trip to the East coast.
First-Half:
There was very little drama in the early exchanges until the first chance for either team came through United’s Kallum Smith. He had an effort from distance fly wide of the post. It was the first shot produced by either team, but was still way off for Lilywhite ‘keeper Caleb Pipes-Goulsbra to worry.
As it was on Saturday, the windy conditions impacted the way the teams could play, as the ball was manipulated. After stopping a dangerous attack, Lincoln looked to counter attack through a long ball to Tobias Liversidge, but the wind took it away for him and the Skegness defence were able to clear danger.
The first chance for Skegness came from Declan Johnson, who had a free header at the back post from a corner, as he arrived, he could only get underneath it as he headed high of goal. It seemed far too easy for Johnson, who managed to beat his man with simply.
The hosts seemed to prove most threatening from aerial battles. Another corner was met by a Skegness head, as this time Gary King produced a lovely backwards header, but Jack Steggles did well to save it.
Skegness drew blood first in the third minute of additional time. Lilywhite number nine Ben Davison beat his man and took a low effort, and the shot drilled past Steggles to give the hosts the lead.
Second-half:
The second-half started with more action than the first, with it clear to see that Lincoln knew they had to score at least two in the second 45.
Lincoln were playing better towards the wind. Knowing they couldn’t play long balls, playing nice quick football was more beneficial as they could create more going forward. After the first hour, however, they still couldn’t get a true chance at goal and were still one behind.
Easily the best chance for United came to Liversidge, who ran through a flurry of Skegness shirts and pushed through to the box to get his shot off. It was, however, too high, and the Whites had to continue their threats.
Gary King was put through brilliantly for a counter attack, and after beating his man and finding himself one-on-one with Steggles, his attempted chip shot was just too high, and the Whites found themselves getting away with it.
With ten minutes to go, the game had a lot of stop-start moments as both teams became desperate for their own aspirations. In a very physical affair, both teams had their problems with the referee, with each side having players warned for discipline.
United substitutes Lewis Smith and Max Baker had a big chance denied between them. The attackers both saw the ball hit them, leading to the ball having to be cleared off the line.
Skegness Town 1-0 Lincoln United
It was a very tight affair between the two sides, but ultimately Lincoln couldn’t create enough to test the Skegness defence or goalkeeper.
The defeat has doubled what was a disappointing defeat on Saturday against Romford, as the Whites have found themselves dumped out of two competitions in the space of five days.
Next, Chris Funnell’s side return to league action, where they travel to Deeping Rangers for the final game of the regular season.