By Nathan Jackson
August 13 2011

Lincoln City's new era kicked off with a 2-2 draw at Southport. The Imps lead twice in the match but two impressive goals from the hosts restricted the Imps to a point, something which it took until the third game to earn last season.

Five Imps were making their starting debuts for the Imps, with Joe Anyon also playing his first game in a Lincoln shirt since January 15th. All 22 players were lead out to the pitch by referee Richard Clark, who amusingly being sponsored by Specsavers.....if you think that's a joke....look at the back of the programme from the game.

Southport started well with Akrigg sent a Kissock free kick into the arms of Anyon. City responded with Smith saw an effort from a narrow angle saved. Russell was penalised for a foul on goalkeeper McMillan, that despite the goalkeeper actually falling over his own defender.

Lee had a header saved by Anyon just minutes before Alan Power was booked. City's recent history of poor set pieces continued as Russell pointlessly chipped a free kick over the wall and to no-one. However, despite generally been poor at set pieces, it was a corner that saw City score their first goal of the season as Russell's set piece was headed on by Fuseini and Smith headed into the net for a debut goal.

The Imps weren't ahead for long though as despite Gowling winning the ball with a tackle, he was booked and the hosts were awarded a free kick. Up stepped Kissock and the impressive midfielder smashed it straight in with Anyon not standing a chance. Smith shot wide to end the first half.

Akrigg headed over early in the second half but it was a header down at the other end that gave City the lead again as Fuseini and Russell linking up again, with the latter playing a ball towards the ball post and Kyle Perry headed home to become another debut goalscorer for the Imps.

Much like the first goal, the lead didn't last long as Kissock and Whalley made a mockery of the Imps defence as the latter danced around several before hitting it past Anyon from close range. Kissock volleyed over for the hosts soon afterwards.

A host of changes for both sides in quick succession failed to change the game immediately, although Jamie Taylor and Brad Barraclough both joined the field of play for the Imps, bringing City's total number of debutants up to seven.

Neither side managed another noteworthy chance and the points were shared.

Imps in opening day draw at Southport

Discussion started by theimps.ka (IP Logged), 13/08/2011 20:17

theimps.ka
13/08/2011 20:17

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cherryexile
13/08/2011 20:33

The free kick was one of the best I have seen. Hard and straight, right into the top corner.

Anyon didn't stand a chance, but our two-man wall could have been better.

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Jim bobs big plan
13/08/2011 20:37

does anyone know where we can view highlights?

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cherryexile
13/08/2011 20:42

I think Anyon deserves a mention for his save late in the second half. Kissock had another shot from outside the box which was deflected off a fellow Southport attackers back and Anyon had to change direction to take it diving high to his left.

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Kate Jackson
13/08/2011 20:43

The club has said highlights will be online at some point next week.

Good Luck, Mr Gorsky

http://twitter.com/#!/katejackson84
http://www.katejackson84.blogspot.com

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Red Imp
13/08/2011 20:54

Yeo, having to wait until Southport send the DVD on Monday, so it'll probably be Wednesday time given that there's also a midweek game.

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Rob Peel
14/08/2011 09:44

Agree with the article the game seemed to fizzle out after the second equaliser. THought Anyons handling looked good no blame for either goals. Bit disappointed with Power maybe his early booking slowed him down?.
.
Russell strikes a great dead ball though we will see plenty of set piece goals this season.....
.
LOts os positives but still need to sort the defence out

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