Match report
Lincoln development vs Grantham Athletic

Today was the 3rd game between the Griffins and a Lincoln side with a heated rivalry already in full swing, the match was set on a beautiful 3G pitch in a Lincoln suburb with temperatures reaching 30 degrees.

A couple of noticeable absences with Briggs and Thomas out with long term injuries and a last minute change with Sterry not being able to make the trip.

Grantham did not let this phase them however and within a minute of kickoff pressed hard against the Lincoln defence and had won possession of the ball, playing some lovely passing football similar to any Pep Guardiola team.

From this a darting run through the middle by the Centre Mid Kieron Rourke was met by a lovely Adam Rawdon lay off and in full stride from just outside the box Rourke had hit the ball beautifully and saw it fire into the bottom left hand side of the Lincoln net. No keeper was stopping that and Grantham were 1-0 up.

Following this Lincoln were startled and Grantham had the majority of the possession playing 1/2 touch football and knackering out the Lincoln team.

After 10 minutes and a Lincoln equaliser the first substitution was made as Liam Stanhope entered the pitch in ST hoping to get his first goal for the new club. Wanting to make an impression whilst stood on the sidelines. Within 2 minutes of entering the field of play Stanhope managed to run towards the back post and place his foot on a wayward ball in the Lincoln area making it 2-1.

Great positioning by the natural striker and showed his class with a real poachers effort. Grantham were dominant and the score line just about reflected this.

The remainder of the first half was scrappy with the heat taking its toll on both sides players, Lincoln were fortunate to have many rotational options whereas the Griffins were not so lucky. Some great challenges and interceptions made by the holding midfielders and the defenders with full backs Wood and Smalley making it hard for Lincoln to play the ball out wide.

Half time hit with Grantham having the advantage.

2-1 and Grantham were ready to add to that lead. Big Dave Milligan with his back against the Lincoln defenders managed to control the ball turn and rifle a shot into the net making the score line more fair with Grantham at a 3-1 advantage.

The game then changed as Grantham noticeably felt their efforts fall a little short and the heat was making this a very tough game. Smalley then went down with the Grantham team making a substitution they were hoping not to of made.

Grantham were struggling, a few crosses into the middle looked destined for the bet with Stanhope and Rawdon frustrated a goal did not come from these.

A fast Counter attack and Lincoln found a way back into the game making it 3-2. Heads dropped in the Grantham camp however Lincoln found a second wind and made some quick changes to keep their players fresh legged.

In the 55 minute the Lincoln striker found himself wriggling through the Griffins defence and managed to convince the referee there was a shove in the back from a Griffins defender. Questionable but the referee made the call and Lincoln had the spot kick. Nestled bottom corner and Lincoln were now level.

Soon after another Lincoln attack found their attacker 1 on 1 with the returning Traynor in Grantham’s goal unfortunately this resulted in a Lincoln taking the lead for the first time and the game had quickly turned on its head.

The last 20 minutes were here and 4-3 down Grantham had a hill to climb and a hot one at that.
However Grantham had some quality chances and Meredith at one stage managed to find himself running through on goal with the ball played to his foot from the wing it looked like it was anyones to score however not through lack of effort it was not to be and Meredith found his shot go wide of the post.

The game came to a close another very tough game for Grantham in sweltering conditions and a narrow loss, however the boys will take a lot from this game and can hold their heads high after the shift they put in. Some great passing football and some quality goals all in all a fine example of what to expect at all Grantham Athletic fixtures.
Final score 4-3 to Lincoln.

MOTM was Kieron Rourke