Lincoln City 0-0 FC Halifax Town

Lincoln City were unable to build on last week’s 4-2 win at Wrexham, as they were held to a dour 0-0 draw at home to FC Halifax Town in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Halifax, who play one league below Lincoln in the Conference North, took control of the game in the early stages, with the attacking trio of Jon Worthington, Lee Gregory and Gareth Seddon providing a constant threat.

Lincoln were dealt a blow 20 minutes in when left-back Peter Gilbert was forced off with a hamstring injury, with John Nutter coming on in his place.

The game sparked to life after 25 minutes, with three openings in as many minutes. First, Gregory produces a good half-volley on the turn, forcing Paul Farman into a save, before Seddon went even closer. His swerving, dipping, 25-yard strike had Farman beaten all ends up, only to see his effort rebound off the crossbar.

Moments later it was City’s turn to hit the woodwork, although it was Halifax’s Liam Hogan who nearly headed Adam Smith’s cross past his own keeper, with the post saving his blushes.

That was as good as it got for The Imps, as Halifax continued to dominate. Worthington should have done better with a free header at the back-post, before Seddon had the ball in the Lincoln net, only to see the offside flag raised.

Lucky to be level, Lincoln came out for the second half with much greater intent. Nicky Nicolau had a long-range shot saved, while no-one was on hand to convert Adam Smith’s dangerous drilled cross.

The Shaymen hit back though, and will wonder how they didn’t convert one of two good openings. First Seddon broke the offside trap but couldn’t get his shot away, and then Worthington failed to connect with a dangerous cross, when any sort of touch would have resulted in a goal.

As the game entered the final 20 minutes, the visitors seemed to tire and Lincoln went in search of the winner. After 71 minutes, Morgan’s delicate cross was met by Gary Mills, but Halifax keeper Matt Glennon produced a stunning save with his leg to keep it out.

However, despite huffing and puffing, Lincoln appeared to run out of steam, and their day finished on a sour note when Morgan was shown a straight red in injury time for a reckless challenge.

Both sides go into the draw for the first round proper, but will battle it out again at The Shay on Tuesday night.

BBBG Man of the Match: Gareth Seddon (FC Halifax Town)