By theimps,tk
April 9 2009

Lincoln's Playoff hopes have taken a major blow after failing to win at Chesterfield. City came from behind with what could potential be Patulea's last goal for the club, equalising from Jack Lester's opener, but it wasn't enough to move CIty within a strikeable distance from a Playoff place. City started the game well with Patulea, Elding and N'Guessan all combining well to create a chance for the Frenchman, only to see it blocked by a Chesterfield defender. Aaron Brown won City's first corner of the game but Kerr's delivery went well over the head of Beevers at the back post. It was a promising start for a City side who were aiming to move within three points of the Playoffs. Kerr, on the back of scoring twice at the weekend, burst through the Chesterfield defence, only to see Lee reach the ball just as he was about to reach the goal.

A rare Chesterfield attack saw Wilson's cross nodded behind by Beevers and Lowry's delivery was punched clear by Burch. Chesterfield came into the game even more as Robertson was denied by the onrushing Burch.

Elding's low effort was hit wide of the post before Patulea ‘s back got in the way of Aaron Brown's free kick heading into the net. Sam Mullarkey was replaced in the 33^rd minute, more than likely because of injury, but the fact that around 75% of his passes had gone to Chesterfield players could have also had something to do with it. He was replaced by Ben Wright and it was 1-0 to Chesterfield within seconds.

Lester held off Swaibu and played Till through on the right, the Chesterfield striker then hit it straight into the net to give Chesterfield what was a relatively undeserved lead. Neither side managed another decent effort before the half time whistle and City's Playoff chances were certainly hanging by a thread.

Darren Currie replaced Talbot at the half time interval and the Spirites came close to leading again, as Kovacs cleared at the last minute. However, the Imps quickly got back into the game and equalised on 52 minutes. O'Connor forced the ball into the box and Kovacs had an effort blocked, only for Adrian Patulea to prod it in and celebrate his 11^th goal of the season.

Ben Wright was ruled offside as he broke through on goal and Adrian Patulea had an appeal for a penalty turned down. Elding wasted a golden chance after being put through, seeing his effort saved by Lee.

Robertson had a rare Chesterfield effort coming extremely close to giving the hosts an undeserved lead as he hit the bar from a free kick about 25 yards out.  O'Connor hit a shot wide from 25 yards before Niven was excellently blocked by Swaibu. Lester should have made it 2-1 though just a minute later when he broke through of the City defence, only for Burch to save his attempted side footed shot.

Elding had a header held by Lee before Patulea potentially kicked his last ball for the Imps as he was injured after a challenge with Hall. After some length treatment, Patulea went off to be replaced by Horsfield, Adrian being nearly ignored by Jackson. City were now on the back foot and Till, Lester and Robertson all had efforts either blocked, saved or going miles over the bar.

Neither side could find a winner and the Imps are now left five points from the top seven with five games to play, ti's not going to be easy.

City's Playoff hopes are on the brink

Discussion started by theimps.tk (IP Logged), 09/04/2009 01:09

theimps.tk
09/04/2009 01:09

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