Lincoln City earn a hard fought three points against a resilient Northampton Town

Lincoln City scored two goals in the last 15 minutes to see off a much-improved Northampton Town. The Imps keep the pressure on league leaders Hull City as they move three points clear of 3rd place Peterborough United. 

Portsmouth were defeated at home 4-0 by the Tigers who only lead in first place on goal difference.  

Substitute Conor McGrandles came off the bench in the 68th minute and seven minutes later he scored to finally break the deadlock. It was a fine team goal with Tayo Edun eventually putting it on a plate for the Scotsman to turn in from close range.  

At this point, the home side had a lot of momentum going forward against a tired Cobblers side. On the 84th minute they got a second goal to put the game to bed. Another wonderful team goal, something seen so often this side by Michael Appleton’s men, Liam Bridcutt lofted a wonderful pass into Tom Hopper who squared it for incoming Anthony Skully who only had to slot it in.  

The hosts certainly deserved the win in the end, but Northampton made it difficult for them, this showing as it took 75 minutes for the Imps to score.  

Cobblers attacked the Imps’ goal in the first half and certainly looked a threat from set pieces as they pose a big threat in the air with a tall side.  

Keith Curle handed debuts to three players at the LNER Stadium, Ryan Edmondson, Mickel Miller and Bryn Morris to be exact.  

Out of absolutely nowhere, on the 96th minute the away side got one back with an exquisite overhead kick on the edge of the box from sub Danny Rose. However, it was too little too late for Curle’s men to get anything from the game. 

For most of the game, up until injury time Lincoln’s defence was perfect and Appleton will be extremely disappointed that his side didn’t keep a clean sheet, but hats off to the away side who did indeed score in extraordinary fashion.  

One man in particular is one of the main reasons the hosts defend so well, that man is club captain Liam Bridcutt. The 31-year-old holding midfielder sits just in front of the defence. He controlled the game for Lincoln and made everything look easy. His work rate was excellent, and he won countless tackles and duels.  

Lincoln are ever so lucky to have a veteran of the game like Bridcutt on their books. 

Curle certainly felt his side deserved more out of the game and afterwards he said,  

“I thought we had some good passages of play and used the ball very well and we enjoyed good dominance, but it was disappointing not to get enough numbers in the box in the final third because we put some good balls in. Obviously, we’re disappointed with the defeat but it was a commendable performance.” 

Having not played for 11 days, Appleton sensed his side were rusty and said after the game, 

“At the start, we looked like a side who hadn’t played for 10 or so days, we did the basics well in the early period. But nothing more than that as we gave the ball away a few times, which is unlike us. Once we properly got going in the second half, we showed some great quality and movement which eventually led to the two goals.  

On Tuesday night, Lincoln face another huge fixture and tough away game against third place Portsmouth.  

Meanwhile, Northampton travel to Fleetwood in a game they really must win.