Match reports

201219 NTFC Match Report

19th December

The Imps put in a fantastic display on the road this afternoon as they picked up an emphatic 4-0 victory with the goals coming from Anthony Scully, Tom Hopper and a brace from Brennan Johnson.

Michael Appleton named an unchanged side for the visit to Northampton Town as the Imps bounced back in style following the narrow defeat to Shrewsbury in midweek.

City got off to a flyer at the PTS Academy Stadium as Anthony Scully netted the opener and his seventh of the campaign in just 60 seconds. Lewis Montsma started the move with a well-placed header from inside his own area to Brennan Johnson who sprinted down the left before playing a delightful through ball to Anthony Scully. Scully composed himself brilliantly before rifling the ball past Steve Arnold in the home goal to make it 1-0.

The Cobblers looked to get the ball forward quickly, but City were extremely dangerous moving forward with the front three causing the home side plenty of problems.

Alex Palmer showed excellent distribution once again as he set Brennan Johnson down the left wing with a stunning pass. Johnson then backheeled to Tayo Edun who whipped in a first time cross towards Jorge Grant, but his side footed volley flew over the bar.

The away side dominated the early period of the game with some free flowing attacking football. Northampton threatened from set pieces, but City were playing some lovely stuff and creating numerous opportunities this afternoon.

Lewis Montsma almost made it 2-0 to City in the 25^th minute following an excellent corner from Jorge Grant. The ball fell to Montsma in the six yard box and he showed excellent skill to shift the ball on to his right foot before striking at goal but Arnold was on hand to deny the Dutchman.

Despite the difficult surface, City were playing some terrific one touch football and the home side couldn’t cope. Intricate play led to a penalty shout for the men in black as Scully looked to be tripped inside the area but the referee waved play on.

City’s constant pressure paid dividends as our number 9 made it 2-0 in the 42^nd minute with a fantastic header following a pinpoint delivery from Jorge Grant. Hopper stooped bravely and got a kick in the face for his troubles as the Imps deservedly doubled their lead.

Half Time

Northampton Town 0-2 Lincoln City

Brennan Johnson was a constant menace down the left-hand side as he nutmegged his man, cut inside and struck the ball at goal from a tight angle, but the keeper made the save and deflected the ball behind for a corner.

The resulting corner fell to Montsma who provided a couple of step overs before hitting the ball towards goal, but Arnold got a hand to it and tipped the ball behind for another corner which came to nothing.

The Cobblers were lucky to keep eleven men on the field as Montsma was caught in the face with a nasty elbow by Korbea, but the officials didn’t see the incident and thankfully, the Imps defender was able to continue.

The home side continued to launch the ball forward, but City were holding firm as Harry Anderson entered the field in place of Remy Howarth who impressed again on his second consecutive league start.

City continued to press the home side as the excellent Anthony Scully laid the ball wide to Harry Anderson who saw his fierce shot saved by the keeper and the Cobblers cleared.

Former Imps defender Cian Bolger almost scored against his former side in Northampton’s best chance of the game as he saw a diving header come off the underside of the bar, but Jorge Grant was on hand to clear the rebound.

The Imps scored a brilliant third goal on the counterattack in the 83^rd minute as young Johnson produced a delightful dink over Arnold. The through ball from James Jones was exquisite and the finish was even better in a slick City attacking move.

City were not finished there though as Robbie Gotts burst through the Northampton defence in added time before laying the ball wide to man of the match Brennan Johnson, who confidently slotted home his second of the afternoon in an emphatic victory for Michael Appleton's side.

Full Time

Northampton Town 0-4 Lincoln City

Northampton Town

1. Steve Arnold

2. Michael Harriman (Holmes 84')

5. Cian Bolger (C)

6. Fraser Horsfall

7. Sam Hoskins

8. Ryan Watson

10. Nicky Adams

22. Benny Ashley-Seal

27. Christopher Missilou (Smith 73')