Match reports

180825 Match Report NCFC

25th August

The Imps maintained their 100% home record and their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable 3-1 over local rivals Notts County.

A wonder strike from Lee Frecklington, a first competitive strike in an Imp shirt for Bruno Andrade, and a Harry Anderson finish gave Danny Cowley’s men the three points.

It was a lively start for the Imps with Anderson’s shot hitting the side netting inside three minutes.

The Imps made their early dominance pay as Frecklington opened the scoring in sublime fashion after seven minutes.

Andy Kellett half cleared a dangerous ball into the back post towards the edge of the area, which Frecklington met with a thunderous right-footed shot that looped over Ross Fitzsimons to send Sincil Bank into raptures.

The Imps lead lasted just 12 minutes as Kellett redeemed himself, firing a low free kick across the Imps six yard box and into the bottom left hand corner of Grant Smith’s goal.

County almost found their way in front after Kristian Dennis intercepted a Neal Eardley backpass and set Kane Hemmings on his way, but the former Oxford United striker could only hit the post, before Kellett curled the rebound wide of the Imps right hand post.

It didn’t take City long to regain their lead just past the half hour mark.

Harry Anderson sent a teasing ball into the box for John Akinde to challenge with County Keeper Fitzsimons, which the former Barnet man won, knocking the ball into the path of Andrade whose half volley found the top left hand corner.

Andrade could’ve added another after the restart, the Portuguese winger was sent through on goal by Tom Pett but County’s Fitzsimons saved down low.

The summer signing was a thorn in County’s side all afternoon and played a major part in his side’s third, he jinked inside before firing a low cross which was fired home by Harry Anderson from six yards out.

Andrade could’ve added a fourth in the 81st minute after good interplay down the left hand side involving Pett, Green and Anderson, but was denied by a great tackle by Kellett in his own six yard box.

Michael Bostwick has to be alert at the death to twice head the ball clear at the back post before Smith came to claim the ball.

The win sees the Imps move up to the top of the league with a tie at Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on the horizon.

Lincoln City FC

21 Grant Smith

23 Neal Eardley

16 Michael Bostwick

5 Jason Shackell

14 Harry Toffolo

4 Michael O’Connor (12.Ellis Chapman 69)

8 Lee Frecklington

7 Tom Pett

11 Bruno Andrade