By Nathan Jackson
February 2 2008

Louis Dodds scored twice in an Imps shirt for the first time as City recorded a vital victory at Shrewsbury Town. A free kick and a close range shot giving Dodds his brace. City wasted a few good chances to extend their lead before Shrewsbury equalised in the second half but thankfully some last ditch defending secured the 3 points for the Imps after Dodds' winner.

City kicked off and created the first chance of the game when Wright's header coming close to getting to Forrester, but the striker failed to get to the ball before Glyn Garner. McIntyre's effort was easily saved by Marriott before Beevers recieved a cut that would see him have to change his shirt several times during the afternoon.

The next few minutes were quiet before City won a free kick in the 12th minute. Louis Dodds stepped up from 25 yards and sent a beautiful curling effort into the back of the net and City had a lead, aiming for their third away win in the last five.

A free kick almost gave Shrewsbury a way back into the game as Davies' free kick went over everyone and Marriott had to tip it over the bar. The half was stopped for several minutes when Hone and Madjo colided, during this Lee Beevers changed into Nat Brown's shirt.

Another clash of heads a minute later saw John-Lewis and McIntyre recieve lengthy treatment, especially the latter who had to be taken off via the stretcher and was replaced by Mark Stallard. John-Lewis was booked as he went off.

Hibbert wasted a golden opportunity for Shrewsbury when he rounded Marriott, however Danny Hone recovered and prevented the striker from giving Shrewsbury an equaliser. A theatrical dive from Madjo drew the anger of Kerr, who was then told to calm down by the officials.

Neither side could create a chance in the 6 minutes off added on time and City took a lead into the break.

Beevers came out wearing John-Lewis' shirt. Paul Green was fortunate not to be red carded within seconds of the second half when he went in hard on Dave Hibbert. Langmead was booked for a foul on Stallard before Hibbert had to be replaced by Constantle after failing to return to the action following treatment for an injury.

Good work from Wright and Dodds saw Stallard force a corner that City wasted. Garner, a keeper that has had a reputation for not concentrating whilst at Bury and Leyton Orient, then kicked the ball straight to Forrester, he crossed for Wright but the striker headed the chance wide from an open goal.

Humphrey replaced Herd for the hosts before Stallard's curling effort was saved by Garner. Dodds headed wide before Wright was penalised for fouling Kempson. Beevers recieved treatment again, this time emerging with Ryan's 18 shirt. This time his head had been bandaged.

Hand wasted a chance from 20 yards before Kerr fouled Davies on the edge of the box. Davies took the free kick himself and Marriott made no effort to get to the ball as it entered the net and Shrewsbury were level.

A brief spell of Shrewsbury dominance was slowed when N'Guessan came on for Wright. Madjo then had an excellent chance to take the lead but Marriott managed to keep out his header. City went down the other end and Ridley's throw saw the defence fail to deal with it and Dodds was left with a great chance from 6 yards to win the game, smashing home to give City a 2-1 lead.

Beevers headed a chance off the line before Davies whipped another free kick in, this time Langmead sending his shot wide from 6 yards.

Shrewsbury couldn't find an equaliser and City held out for a third win in five.