An 82nd minute own goal was the difference maker in Lincoln United’s 2-1 win against Deeping Rangers.
The Whites headed into the game after suffering back-to-back defeats, leaving them second in the league and four points off top spot.
Rangers however, came into the game in form after going unbeaten in their last three games. That included a 4-1 victory over Sleaford Town last weekend, which brought them out of the relegation zone.
Early Goal from the Penalty Spot:
The Whites started off in a very positive way, winning a penalty within four minutes of the game. It was awarded for a push in the back by the Rangers defender.
Elliot Dye stepped up to the penalty spot and placed it in the bottom left, giving Alfie Pollard no chance.
The Whites continued to pile on the pressure throughout the opening stages, but could not grab a second.
Rangers had a good opportunity to equalise when they won a free kick in the Whites defensive third, but the free kick was a wasted chance which amounted to nothing.
Rangers managed to equalise in the 36th minute. Scott Waumsley turned his man and drove down the wing, putting a perfectly waited ball into Matthew Sparrow, who was waiting at the back post.
Positive play from Scott Matthews and Ted Gibbons on the right-hand side created a shooting opportunity, but the shot from Matthews was straight at Pollard.
A Late Lincoln United Winner:
Deeping Rangers came into the second-half with the momentum they had at the end of the first-half. Having the first chance of the half with Spencer Tinkler’s edge of the box effort not hitting the target.
The Whites responded with veteran left-back Kallum Smith getting a shot away just inside the box, but the Rangers ‘keeper made a strong save to deny the goal.
Another big chance came for The Whites when Owen Vincent danced through the Deeping defence. He gave it wide to Gibbons, whose cross back into the box was met by no one. It meant another wasted opportunity went by for Lincoln.
A great save from Pollard denied substitute Jack McMenemy from scoring at the edge of the box just after coming on.
Liam Hook’s long-range strike from 35 yards out in the 69th minute was denied by only the bar as the Whites’ goalkeeper, Jack Steggles, was caught off guard and scrambling back to his line.
Sparrows got onto a loose ball in the 75th minute after Smith misjudged a pass and ended up one-on-one with Steggles. A terrific save from the ‘keeper, who made himself big, denied the winger and kept the game all square.
The Whites finally managed to break the deadlock due to an own goal from Rangers defender Ricki Goodale. His header lobbed the Deeping shot-stopper and ended up in the back of his own net, after a cross from Vincent was floated in.
Full time: Lincoln United 2-1 Deeping Rangers
Following an important victory, next up for Lincoln United is a trip to Eastwood CFC in the Isuzu FA Vase second-round.
Feature Image Credit: Ed Mayes Photography