The Sun Hat Villas and Resorts Stadium was the venue once again for Lincoln United as they hosted high-flying Bradford (Park Avenue) yesterday afternoon in an exciting league clash.
The Whites went into this game as hopeful, yet prepared underdogs as they faced a top four opponent on home turf however, they found themselves a goal down at the break.
That came courtesy of a controversial penalty which was converted in the 35th minute by Park Avenue’s Marcus Carver.
Something Billy Heath said at half time must have ignited something in his players as the momentum of the game shifted from even to United being somewhat in control as the second half got underway.
It began to feel like it was only a matter of time before the ball would end up in the back of the net.
The second half began with an error from the visitors’ keeper who came charging out of his box but failed to clear his lines. Unfortunately for the ever more desperate home fans, the chance that resulted was blazed over the bar.
This chance did however start to build a sense of pressure on the away side’s keeper as Lincoln United continued to fire long range efforts towards goal.
The intensity of the game picked up the longer it went on, with Lincoln seemingly pushing further forward minute by minute.
However, two red cards were dished out in the 87th minute, the first to Park Avenue’s Connor Brown after a dangerous challenge showing both sets of studs.
The scuffle that followed meant that the Whites would also have to finish the match with ten men, as Elliot Dye was sent for an early shower.
The mental fortitude of Heath’s side (which he openly spoke to us about after the game) was on display from that moment on.
Finally on the stroke of 90 minutes, it was Connor Brown who found the back of the net for the Whites with an absolute thunderbolt into the top right corner to salvage what may be a vital point as we head into the Christmas break.
The game ended 1-1 and Heath was very vocal about his combination of pride with how his players performed, and frustration that they didn’t earn the three points that he believed they deserved.
Bradford (Park Avenue) were by no means underperforming, with their attack remaining a constant threat until the final whistle, but resilience from both back lines left many feeling that a point for each side was more than merited.
Lincoln United will face another tough challenge against Matlock next weekend, but Heath believes his side can: “Get something out of that game at the very least.” As Christmas approaches, things are looking up for Heath’s men and the fans of the club.