Lincoln City 3-2 Hereford United

Lincoln City extended their superb run of form with a 3-2 victory over Hereford United at The 12th Imps Sincil Bank Stadium on Saturday. Their third consecutive league win lifts The Imps up to 9th in the Blue Square Bet Premier, and means they are now unbeaten in 10 games in all competition.

Much of the first half was a rather dull affair, with neither side able to control the game or make any real openings. After 45 minutes, Jake Sheridan had come closest to breaking the deadlock when his header was well saved by Hereford James Bittner. However, in the two minutes of added on time, man-of-the-moment Jamie Taylor produced yet another moment of magic to break the deadlock.

The striker took advantage of a defensive mix up by producing an audacious lob from a full 35-yards out, which dipped just under the bar with Bittner in no man’s land. It was a strike that only a player brimming with confidence would attempt, and one that only a player with a certain level of talent could execute so brilliantly.

Even after Hereford levelled matters early in the second half through Ryan Bowman, Lincoln refused to relinquish control. With just over 20 minutes to go and the game in the balance, Vadaine Oliver and Colin Larkin entered the fray. The impact they had will no doubt have delighted gaffer David Holdsworth, demonstrating the squad’s strength-in-depth. Oliver was immediately involved in restoring Lincoln’s lead as he flicked on Dan Gray’s long throw, before Joe Heath headed past his own keeper.

10 minutes later and the game appeared to be beyond doubt. A lovely move between the excellent Jake Sheridan and substitute Larkin saw the former brought down in the box by ex-Imp Andy Gallinagh. Larkin stepped up and dispatched the spot kick with ease.

The home fans were made to endure a tense finish when Will Evans sweetly struck 25-yard effort beat Paul Farman, but Lincoln held off a late siege to take seal the win, moving them above The Bulls into 9th.

City are now just four places and seven points from the play-off positions, quite a turn-around considering they recorded a mere three victories from their first 14 league games.  They cannot rest on their laurels, however, as they remain just six points from the drop zone, in what is a remarkably close and congested league. Continue in this form though, and Holdsworth’s troops will surely be looking up rather than down.

BBBG Man of the Match: Jake Sheridan (Lincoln City)