A lack of attacking quality was there for all to see as Lincoln City fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Rotherham United.
A late Joe Powell goal was enough for Steve Evans’ side to claim all three points, extending the Imps’ dismal league run.
Head coach Michael Skubala made three changes to the side that lost 3-0 at Bolton Wanderers, with Jovon Makama, Jack Moylan and Adam Jackson replacing Reeco Hackett, Lewis Montsma and the suspended Ethan Erhahon.
Moylan brings some magic:
It was a bright start, with the game stretched and plenty of space for both sides to exploit. Bailey Cadamateri found room on the left on multiple occasions, but the City man was unable to fashion a chance.
Jack Moylan had City’s first opening, with a right-footed effort from the edge of the box rolling wide at the near post.
The Millers saw this as a wake up call as for most of the opening 45, they were the side on top. Malik Wilks went close on multiple occasions, forcing George Wickens down into a smart save on 22 minutes, before squandering the best chance of the half, when he put the ball way over from six yards out.
United goalkeeper Dillon Phillips was tested in the final minutes of the half by Moylan. First, he was able to hold another shot from outside the box, down low to his left, before reacting well to the Irishman’s side-footed curling effort through a crowd of bodies, to tip the ball wide.
A sucker punch for Lincoln City:
Rotherham began the second half where they left the first. Wickens was called upon to make three wonderful saves to keep the Imps level.
Sam Nombe was first to be denied as his curling effort from distance was pushed away. The goalkeeper was quick to his feet to smother the incoming rebound from close range.
Minutes later, Cameron Humphreys was next to try to curl one in from range, but it had the same result, with Wickens at full stretch tipping the ball wide for a corner.
Boos were heard around the LNER Stadium as Michael Skubala brought off Bailey Cadamateri with under half an hour to play. He was replaced by Freddie Draper. Tom Bayliss made his League One return off the bench too.
Jovon Makama had a strike from distance fly high and wide over the bar, as the Imps looked to increase the pressure.
Fortunes were to soon change as Joe Powell gave the visitors the lead with five minutes to play.
City shot-stopper Wickens came for a cross from the left, and did not get to the ball before it made its way to the edge of the box and Powell. The Rotherham midfielder made no mistake in finding the net for his first Millers goal.
Rotherham were not done there, as a breakaway from Cohen Brammall found Shaun McWilliams in the box. His effort was saved by Wickens and City could not find a way back as the final whistle was accompanied by moor boos around Sincil Bank.
Next for City is Saturday’s home fixture against Stevenage, before they travel to league-leaders Birmingham City in the FA Cup.
This was an absolute ‘must win’. Last chance saloon for Skooby do….and he didn’t. We were nowhere.
The Board must now react to the realities in front of their eyes.