Imps get a point that should have been three

Lincoln were left to rue a multitude of missed chances against a Telford side who were there for the taking on Saturday. But for some woeful finishing from the Imps this would have been a convincing and much needed victory that would have pulled us seven points clear of the relegation zone, as it is it was only a point gained at home to a fellow relegation candidates AFC Telford and this leaves us only five points above twenty first placed side Alfreton who are the next side we take on at Sincil Bank in a few weeks.

The game started off how it would carry on for the full ninety minutes, efforts from both teams were exchanged, but none were ever threatening to hit the back of the net. as things turned out it was Kyle Perry, on loan from the imps, who open the scoring. It was a completely avoidable goal like so many we have seen conceded this season from Lincoln, both Robson and Gowling left the rotund striker completely free on the edge of the six yard box and even allowed him enough time to bring the ball down and drive it with his left foot into back of the net off of the underside of the bar.

Perry milked the abuse he received from the home fans following his opening goal, his comments in the media before the game had made sure that he would not be welcomed back with open arms to the club that is still his employer. It does make me wonder how a returning hero such as Drewe Broughton or Ben Hutchinson may be greeted if this is the reception for a player who did manage to get a few goals in a Lincoln shirt.

Telfords lead did not last long though it took only eight minutes for the imps to draw level. A free kick was conceded on the edge of the Telford box by a foul on Power. Nutter stepped up to curl it into the goal with his left foot, hi shot was deflected off of Telford Centre back Blackburn leaving Ryan Young no chance of keeping the ball out of the net.

The game then ebbed and flowed with either team taking it in turns to attack, Lincoln would miss several good chances. Almond had three opportunities throughout the game to at least test the keeper, but all three went pretty much out of the ground, Jefferson Louis late on also hit the ball well over the bar from just a few yards out. It was this lack of composure when in sight of goal that hindered and ultimately cost the Imps the chance to take the win.

The closest the Imps came to getting that winning goal was from substitute Taylor, on for the final ten minutes in place of Pacquette, a long free kick forward from Anyon was nodded down into the path of Taylor by Gowling but it was slightly too high for the striker and his improvised flick/volley went narrowly past the post.

This game saw a much improved attacking performance from the Imps, but we saw a return of the problem that has cost us so much over the past few season the inability to hit the back of the net. This seemed to be down to a lack of composure and a bit of panicking from the attacking players when presented with good opportunities. Every shot seemed to be hit as hard as possible instead of placed on target, regardless of distance from goal. this is something that will hopefully be worked on in training in the next week.

Next up is the short trip away to Mansfield at the weekend. This game will be a much sterner test then Telford and as such it will be imperative that we take our chances as it is doubtful we will have half as many to miss as this weekend.