Lincoln United had to settle for a point on Saturday afternoon as a late Connor Brown equaliser rescued a draw against Bradford Park Avenue in an entertaining contest at Ashby Avenue.

The hosts came into the game full of confidence after their County Cup success in midweek, but it was the visitors who started the brighter, pressing high and asking early questions of the United back line. Clear chances were few and far between in the opening stages, although Bradford thought they had taken the lead with a stunning long-range strike, only for the referee’s whistle to rule it out moments earlier.

United had their best moments on the break, with Elliot Dye and Max Baker linking up well, but the final ball was often lacking. The key moment of the first half arrived on 34 minutes when Bradford were awarded a penalty after a foul just inside the box. The spot-kick was confidently converted, sending the visitors in at the break with a 1–0 lead.

Bradford carried that momentum into the closing stages of the half, forcing a series of corners and testing the United goalkeeper, who produced a couple of sharp saves to keep the deficit to one.

The second half saw a much-improved Lincoln United. The Whites pressed higher up the pitch and began to spend long spells in the Bradford half, although frustration grew as corners and half-chances failed to bring a breakthrough. Connor Brown went close from range, while substitute Jaime Ture forced a smart save after a scramble in the box as the pressure mounted.

The closing stages were chaotic. Bradford were reduced to ten men following a reckless challenge, before United captain Elliot Dye was also shown red after becoming involved in the aftermath, leaving both sides with ten players.

Just when it looked like Bradford would hold on, United finally got their reward. Into the 89th minute, Brown picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled a brilliant effort into the far corner to spark celebrations around the ground.

It was a classic game of two halves. United were second best before the break but showed real fight and energy in the second, and their late equaliser was probably just about deserved.

We go again Saturday, as we travel to Matlock Town.

Up the Whites.