By theimps.tk
January 27 2009
Adrian Patulea showed exactly why he should be starting games as he set up the winning goal within minutes after coming on as a substitute. His clever pass fed in Dany N'Guessan to seal a come from behind victory over Gillingham. Frank Sinclair had stupidly given away the opening goal before Horsfield spectacularly responded.
City started brightly with Frecklington feeding Elding through, the striker playing the ball back into the middle to Horsfield, only for the striker to just fail to get to the ball ahead of Miller. However, Horsfield did give the game it's first chance when he was fouled, allowing Aaron Brown a chance direct from a free kick, seeing his effort easily caught by Royce. Gillingham slowly came into the game with Oli heading just wide.
The game wasn't full of chances, although it was end to end as Burch made a fine save to deny Southall. Barcham headed a free kick wide before Burch punched a corner clear, only for the Gillingham fans to shout "HANDBALL." Frecklington had to go off injured and was replaced by Oakes and it was 1-0 to the hosts within a minute as Frank Sinclair shove over a Gillingham attacker in the box, Simeon Jackson slotting away the penalty.
City responded almost immediately with Elding feeding N'Guessan, only for the French striker to be denied by a brilliant save from Royce. City were having plenty of possession but were doing nothing with it and it was little surprise when the teams went into the break on level pegging.
Horsfield started the second half well with Horsfield getting behind the last man before Bentley pulled him back, getting a yellow card in responce. However, the striker did pull the Imps level soon afterwards as he launched a 30 yard shot goalwards, seeing it sail past Royce and into the net, bringing the Imps level within minutes of the second half for the third time in as many games.
A brilliant save from Burch denied the hosts and immediate regaining of their lead, Southall being the unlucky many. Horsfield was booked for persistant fouling. Elding was replaced by LJL before N'Guessan broke for the Imps, only to see his cross cleared by a clearly nervous home defence. There was only one team in it now and it was the Imps.
What's this I see? Adrian Patulea making a cameo appearance? Yes, replacing Elding. Gillingham wasted a free kick and City broke through Patulea. The Romanian played a brilliant through ball to N'Guessan, the Frenchman finishing off the international link by rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home in the last minute.
The win now sees City move to 11th place and within seven points of the Playoffs.
Quote:Markus Naslund
"impactful" ? Is that really a word?
