Lincoln United achieved back-to-back wins for the first time under Lee Mitchell as they beat rivals Lincoln City under the lights.
Both sides went into the game needing a win, coming into it in the bottom half of the Division One Midlands table, with Lincoln City sitting rock bottom.
Lincoln United were firm favourites for the game, winning 4-2 on Sunday against Worcester City, in a win that pushed them to ninth in the league.
The massive win for the Whites in the reverse fixture would surely give the United players confidence they could make it three wins in a row over their rivals.
First-Half:
Just over five minutes into the game, a bursting run from Lucy Farrow won a free-kick just outside the area. There were question marks over whether it could have been a red card, however only a yellow was awarded to Becky Kendell in the end.
A great ball from Izzy Thorpe caused problems in the 16th minute, and Jasmine Ottewell was quick to leave her line but was rash in her challenge, fouled the attacker to concede a penalty.
Farrow coolly converted the spot-kick against her old club to fire Lincoln United in front, putting it to the ‘keeper’s left.
Weronika Kruszyna nearly gave City an instant reply as she caught Chloe Gray cold in goal, chipping it from distance at a perfect height. But, it dribbled just wide of the near post.
United followed it up with a chance of their own as Farrow had a great opportunity for a brace, but a solid save from Ottewell denied her.
There was another big chance for United to double their lead, in the 33th minute, when a scramble in the box and a low effort forced the ‘keeper into a good save. It was kept alive and pulled back into the path of Tilly Fantom, who stabbed it over.
Second-Half:
A brilliant chance for United to again double their advantage came early in the second-half. A superb ball from the right from Fantom was met by Farrow in the centre, but she could not properly connect and the resulting effort was easy for the goalkeeper to gather in the end.
This was followed by more intense pressure from the home side and another chance that went agonizingly wide. Farrow took a lofted ball well and struck it on the half-volley, but could not direct it inside of the far post.
Going into the last 15 minutes, the Whites created another huge chance in their effort to kill the game. Jodie Steadman delivered an impressive ball into the path of Farrow, who cut inside onto her right foot but failed to keep the strike down.
With ten minutes to go it was all one-way traffic, a long free-kick from Steadman was met by Eloise Hembrough whose lofted effort sailed inches wide. It was almost the perfect time to score her first goal for the club.
Two minutes to go and there was a magnificent chance for Lincoln City to equalise to earn themselves a point against the run of play. Substitute Sofiat Rufus found herself in behind and beat Amy Hood with a clever lob, but it struck the crossbar and was cleared to safety.
Lincoln United 1-0 Lincoln City:
Lincoln United dominated most of the game and thoroughly deserved the three points. On the other hand, it was a damning result for Lincoln City as that defeat all but seals their fate.
The Imps’ task of staying up this season is all the more difficult, as they are now nine points away from survival with their six-year stay in the division at serious risk.