Lincoln City held by Bolton Wanderers

Jack Moylan’s first half goal wasn’t enough to give Lincoln City a miraculous nine-point gap over third place, but the Imps extended their unbeaten run to 14-matches.

Coming off the back of a 4-1 away win against Plymouth Argyle, Michael Skubala’s side had the chance to continue their momentum against a high-flying Wanderers side.

Skubala made no changes to the side that beat the Pilgrims, hoping that the same 11 players would be enough to extend their gap on third place to nine points.

A strong start

With both sides jostling for possession towards the start of the game, it could have been early glory for the Imps with maybe a hint of deja vu for the Bolton supporters.

Lincoln City’s Jack Moylan managed to pick up on the defensive mistakes that was made by Bolton fullback George Johnston, with the Irish winger quickly turning the ball past Johnston and slicing an effort over the bar.

Not even two minutes later, Moylan had another chance. Tom Hamer’s long throw wasn’t cleared, allowing the Irishman a touch on the ball, but Jack Bonham was there with safe hands.

It didn’t take long for Lincoln City to score the first goal of the game, with Jack Moylan scribing his surname onto the scoresheet after 25 minutes.

Adam Reach sent in a ball to the edge of the box where Reeco Hackett brilliantly found his man and Moylan finished the chance in a cool and calm fashion in the left bottom corner.

Kyle Dempsey had Bolton’s best chance of the first half in the 38^th minute, worrying George Wickens as he committed to a full stretch dive, but the ball flashed just wide regardless.

Before the end of the first half, Draper went down after a small knock during the build-up, but Moylan was able to get his shot off, directing his effort into the arms of Bonham in goal.

A late blow

The first opportunity after the restart came when Hamer hit one of his signature long throws from the left-hand side, beginning a small goal mouth scramble which saw the ball fail to bolster the net.

Lincoln’s right-hand side were frightening, with brilliant build-up play throughout, Moylan could have easily scored his second goal of the game with his shot across the face of the goal going just wide in the 55^th minute.

Bolton’s Bonham made a dramatic double save in the 77^th minute before Rob Street tried his luck and struck the post, sending shockwaves not just through the goalposts but also to the 10,235 Imps fans in attendance.

Lincoln almost left the game with a clean sheet, until the visiting Bolton managed to find the back of the net late on.

Sam Dalby was able to head the ball in past Wickens after former Imp Ethan Erhahon crossed the ball into the box, making the game level with little under ten minutes remaining.

With seven minutes of added time, Bolton began to really pick up pace, generating numerous attacks with every one of them looking increasingly dangerous for City.

Lincoln had a brilliant last-ditch opportunity to get the winner but just couldn’t get it past Bonham, as Hackett’s volley just wasn’t enough in the last minute of extra time.

The result means City stay second with a six points advantage over third place Bolton going into their next game against Northampton Town on Tuesday night.