Lincoln United had their top of the table advantage cut to just two points following a 1-0 loss to second-placed Eastwood CFC.
A goal from Alex Troke was enough to split the sides, as Scott Hellewell’s side couldn’t find a breakthrough. The Whites came into the game first in the league, with a nine game winning run in tack, knowing they’d stay top no matter the result. They could have pushed themselves eight points clear of Eastwood with a victory.
The away side looked to solidify themselves as title contenders with a win. Eastwood sat two points clear of Melton Town in third, and only three points clear of Belper United in fifth.
First-Half:
From early on the quality of both teams was apparent. In a very end to end affair, both sides did their best to get early shots off and test the two goalkeepers, both of whom did well to defend their net.
Jack Steggles was the hero for Lincoln United in the first-half, being called to a number of times in the first 25 minutes. He made a variety of different saves including one-on-ones and pushing efforts away from long-distance in a frantic start.
Eastwood took the lead just before the half hour mark. There was some brilliant play between several attackers, and the Red Badgers managed to pass it through the defence, leaving an easy finish from close range for Alex Troke. Steggles could do nothing about it in the United net.
The Whites started to build in the game from here. They worked the ball well in midfield, but couldn’t progress or create much when in attack. Eastwood defended well in their groups, denying Lincoln of any clear cut chances after the Red Badgers took the lead.
Second-Half:
The second-half was much slower than the first. The hosts started to show levels of desperation as they tried to find an equaliser, but Eastwood defended well.
The away side also showed their time management skills, collecting the ball and knowing how to take time on it before releasing and allowing the game to progress. It was all signs of a top of the table clash, with Eastwood winning the battle as the game passed the hour mark.
Kallum Smith had an effort from outside the box as Lincoln looked to counter. The shot was deflected and landed straight into the path of ‘keeper Sam Wilson, who managed to claim the effort well.
The match took a turn for the worst for The Whites as Tris Drummond saw red. The full back stopped a counter-attack from a Lincoln corner, which the linesman flagged for. After discussion between officials, it was decided Drummond was last man and he saw red.
It seemed a matter of half chances for Lincoln United. The second-half provided very few clear cut chances for The Whites, and they found themselves relying on very little in attack.
Full Time: Lincoln United 0-1 Eastwood CFC
Ultimately, Eastwood were the better side. The away side created more and capitalised on chances, something which The Whites couldn’t do throughout the game.
The visitors closed the gap to just two points on United at the top of the table, as both sides played out a hard-fought contest.
The fixture list gets no easier for Lincoln, as they travel to fellow high-flyers Melton Town next weekend.
Feature Image Credit: Ed Mayes Photography