The Imps came away from high-flying Bradford City with a well-deserved point after a determined performance at Valley Parade.
City started the first half as the better side and threatened the Bantams’ backline, particularly through Justin Obikwu before Bradford grew into the half and were able to test a resilient George Wickens. The second half saw both teams push for a deciding goal but neither found it.
Imps head coach Michael Skubala made three changes to the side who faced Leyton Orient away at the weekend as Obikwu came into the starting lineup for the first time in League One, Adam Reach came back in following injury and James Collins returned up top for the Imps.
The away side started brightly as they fashioned a chance after two minutes when Obikwu ran onto a loose ball and fed Reach who charged to the byline before cutting it back to James Collins, who could not keep his effort down.
A sustained period of pressure resulted in Reach playing a perfectly timed ball over the top of the Bradford defence, finding Obikwu who created space between himself and his marker before placing his shot wide.
City created their third good chance of the game after 22 minutes as Obikwu received the ball with his back to goal and did well to hold up his man before laying it off to Tom Bayliss who tried his luck with a speculative effort and was not far off with his attempt.
Bradford had their first sight of goal after 27 minutes when the ball fell into the path of Will Swan, who swung his leg at the ball but could only drag it wide of the target. The home side went closest on the half-hour mark after the ball ricocheted off a number of players in the Lincoln area before being cleared to Jenson Metcalfe, who curled an effort just wide of a post.
After a slow opening on the pitch to the second period, there was a poignant moment after 56 minutes as everyone in the ground applauded to show their respects to those who perished in this fixture in May 1985. Imps patron Roger Bates and Bradford's chief executive Ryan Sparks laid wreaths at the memorial prior to the fixture.
Bradford had the first real chance of the second period as after 61 minutes a free-kick on the edge of the area was swung in by the hosts before being cleared by Sonny Bradley. The ball found its way to Josh Neufville who tricked his way into the City box before finding Metcalfe who hit the side netting.
The Bantams had their first shot on target after 66 minutes as Neufville picked up a wayward ball on the halfway line before driving forwards and feeding Antoni Sarcevic who did not test Wickens.
The Imps fashioned their first dangerous attack of the second half shortly afterwards, when Obikwu and Ben House linked up well down Lincoln’s left and House’s shot was saved well by Sam Walker.
The home side went close to taking the lead after 73 minutes when a ball into the area just evaded the outstrtched lef of Wright.
Bradford went close again not long after, with Sarcevic unable to turn Wright's low cross home. With three minutes of normal time left, House did well to win City a free kick. Bradley met Reach's delivery with a firm header, which was held.
The hosts then broke forward quickly in a frantic finish to the match with Wright who darted into the area before forcing Wickens into a save with a low strike. The dangerous was not fully cleared however as the ball fell to Tommy Leigh, who perhaps had more time than realised before shooting over.
As the game entered four minutes of added time, Wickens was forced to tip a goalbound header from Andy Cook over the bar.
Ultimately the game ended scoreless, with City returning to league action on 8 November when they visit Rotherham United. There is an Emirates FA Cup first round visit to Salford City before then.
Imps: Wickens, Darikwa, Reach, Bayliss, Collins (Draper 69), McGrandles, Bradley, Street (Towler 58’), House, Obikwu (Okoronkwo 85), Hamer.
Unused subs: Pardington, Ring, Lembikisa, Varfolomeev.
Bradford City: Walker, Touray, J. Wright, Byrne, Power, Neufville (Halliday 70’), Kavanagh (T. Wright 70’), Sarcevic, Kelly, Metcalfe (Leigh 70’), Swan (Cook 46’).
Unused subs: Hilton, McIntyre, Lapslie.
Referee: Elliot Bell.
Attendance: 19,787 (1,377 away)
