LINCOLN UNITED 1 NEWCASTLE TOWN 1

It was vital for both sides to get something from this match.

Newcastle Town were desperate for three points to keep in the play-offs.

The Whites needed a confidence boost after three successive defeats.

In the end the spoils were shared in a game that provided entertainment and attacking football from both sides.

The opponents' tactics were based on quick breaks and pace down the flanks.

The visitors were also reliant on midfield maestro Tim Sanders whose guile and skill makes him one of the best midfielders in the league.

In a first half where chances were created and missed by both teams, it was Sanders who popped up to steer the ball round Rob Peet to give Newcastle the lead.

The second half saw end-to-end thrills and spills as Aidan Haughton blasted over when it seemed scoring was the easier option.

The Gaffer's team fought back and when top-scorer Scott Ruthven blasted home his 18th league goal of the campaign it looked like a winner for the home side would materialise.

And when Kallum Smith hit a sweet left foot half-volley it appeared all three points were heading home.

The home support were on their feet ready to celebrate the winner only to see the wing back's shot take the paintwork off the Newcastle post.

A draw turned out to be a fair result although the Whites did have the better of the second half.

The home side needed this result to restore confidence in what has been a disappointing run of results.

Pride was restored and although victory proved elusive, the Gaffer's men can still finish the season on a high in their final home fixture next Saturday aginst promotion-chasing Mickleover.

Well done to two top teams who are a credit to the league.

Peter Hayward