Walsall FC 2-3 Lincoln City: The magic of the cup

When Richard Taundry fired Walsall FC level in the 81st minute of this FA Cup first round replay, the travelling Lincoln City faithful would be forgiven for thinking ‘here we go again.’

As when the sides first met at The 12th Imp Sincil Bank Stadium 10 days earlier, Conference side Lincoln outplayed their League One opponents for much of the game, and were full value for the 1-0 lead which came courtesy of Alan Power’s classy 50th minute strike. However, they were again unable to kill the game off, and were hit with a late sucker punch.

As extra-time loomed, momentum should have been with the home side. However, The Imps are made of sterner stuff these days, and showed immense spirit to attack their opponents after the restart.

Their bravery was rewarded when substitute Vadaine Oliver rose highest to nod Power’s corner past David Grof, sending the away fans into raptures. With just two minutes of extra-time remaining, Oliver was alert enough to pounce on James Chambers’ weak back-pass, giving himself a simple finish to put the tie beyond doubt.

Walsall did pull one back thanks to Jamie Paterson, but The Imps were not to be denied for a third time.

The win extends Lincoln’s wonderful run of form, and now means they are unbeaten in nine games. It also sets up a second round tie with Mansfield Town, which will take place at Sincil Bank on December 1st. Mansfield sit three places and two points above Lincoln in the Conference, but if The Imps continue to show this kind of form, a place in the third round, and a potential tie with one of the giants of English football, is within reach.