City won their sixth successive game with a hard-fought victory over Stockport County at the LNER Stadium on Saturday, which extended their unbeaten league run to a club record 20 games.
The Imps led at the break through Jack Moylan’s eighth goal of the campaign, but were pegged back in the second half by Jack Diamond. City once again showed incredible resolve to strike late, with Tendayi Darikwa and Alfie Lloyd scoring late to seal a memorable win.
Michael Skubala made three changes to the side that defeated Exeter City in midweek, with Ivan Varfolomeev, Ryley Towler and Jack Moylan coming into the side, meanwhile Conor McGrandles retained his place, for his 150th league start for the club.
The Imps tested the waters early on with two corners in the opening minutes, both of which went out of play. A header from Tom Hamer from the second corner powered itself wide, giving the visitors their first warning.
City continued to press and had their reward when Moylan continued his rich run of form with the opening goal after 10 minutes. The Irishman had seen his volley saved moments before, but he wouldn’t be denied a second time when he converted from close range to make it 1-0 from the corner.
A few opportunities were presented to both teams, but none were successful and were passed to the opposing side. Kyle Wootton, the former Imp, had his first shot of the day with a strike that went over the crossbar. Ollie Norwood followed this up in the 25th minute, causing George Wickens to dive across his line, but the chance also flew over the goal.
The Imps found their spark again in the latter minutes of the first half, with more action in the other end of the pitch. Ryley Towler geared up for a strike after 37 minutes, which he fired over.
The home side got their final opportunity of the half with a blast by Reeco Hackett, but the ball was guided into the arms of Addai.
The second half started with an opportunity for the Imps from another long throw by Hamer, which was initially punched away by the keeper but landed on the head of McGrandles, who was waiting outside the box. His header travelled to the crowd of players, who scrambled to get the ball, but it was gathered by Addai.
Stockport were awarded two corners after 51 minutes, both of which were dealt with by the home defence. Another former Imp entered the pitch for Stockport after 55 minutes with Diamond coming on for Joseph Olowu.
Wickens made an incredible goal-line save a few minutes later after action in his box that led to a strike that he could just get a hand to. The ball stayed in the box for a couple of moments more before City were able to clear it away. The Imps made their first changes after 61 minutes, with Ryan Oné and Moylan off for Ben House and Dom Jefferies.
Hackett was successfully able to keep the ball from the opposition players outside the box, which led to an impressive pass to McGrandles, who passed the ball to Rob Street. Street took a shot at the goal but hit the crossbar, where House attempted to finish it from the deflection; however, the ball rolled out for a goal kick.
Stockport equalised after 68 minutes when Ben Osborn crossed the ball from outside the area, where it found Diamond, who converted his header past Wickens. They followed this with a few close opportunities from headers, but Wickens caught all attempts.
The Imps made two more changes as Tom Bayliss, Adam Reach and Lloyd replaced Ivan Varfolomeev, Hackett and Street after 73 minutes.
House got awarded a free-kick a few yards from the edge of the box after a push. Reach attempted to cross the ball to the other side of the net, but the ball was caught by Addai and the referee later signalled for an offside.
The Imps came back and regained their lead again after 87 minutes and it was through captain Darikwa, who saw his shot from the edge of the box beat Addai.
And the Imps were not done there. Substitute Lloyd sealed the win and his first City goal in the process when he went through on goal and finished clinically past Addai to make it 3-1 and stretch his side's unbeaten league run to a record 20 matches.
Imps: Wickens, Darikwa, Towler, Hackett (Reach, 75’), Moylan (House 62’), Bradley, Oné (Jefferies 62’), Hamer, Varfolomeev (Bayliss, 76’), Street (Lloyd, 75’). Subs not used: Jeacock, Elerewe.
Stockport County: Addai, Pye, Hills, Olowu (Diamond, 57’), Osborn, Bailey, Norwood, Dacres-Cogley, Wootton, Stokes (Fiorini 84’), Sidibeh (Olaofe 84’). Subs not used: Hinchcliffe,Bate, Dixon, Edun.
Attendance: 9,759 (1,185 away)
Official: Charles Breakspear
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