MATCH REPORT: DAVENTRY TOWN 2 - 3 LINCOLN UNITED

For the third consecutive game 'The Whites' were on their travels as they took on NPL Midlands side, Daventry Town. The match was rearranged from Saturday as all football stopped due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Due to the match being rearranged, United travelled without three squad regulars in Harry Millard, AJ Adelekan and Jack Wightwick.

United's starting 11 saw the return of Louie Jarvis and Kallum Smith, whilst Leo Priestley, Nykah Liburd-Hines and Kareem Abouraia also started the match. Billy Brooks was welcomed back into the squad, as was Andy Janssen.

'The Whites' started the brighter of the two teams when Park's pullback found Abouraia but the winger couldn't convert. Upon Ben Bottomley returning to Doncaster Rovers, Liburd-Hines returned to the starting 11 and made a great save early on as Daventry worked an opening. United, however, were the team on the front foot and for most parts dominated possession and territorially throughout the half. Abouraia, Cotton and Liversidge were always a threat, whilst Clarke, Priestley and Park were fantastic support acts.

'The Whites' opened the scoring after a nice passage of play down their right, the resulting cross from Cotton found Liversidge who bundled the ball over the line to give United a deserved lead.

Daventry Town 0 - 1 #TheWhites

United continued to dominate large parts of the remaining half but the direct route from Daventry allowed the home-side to cause Foster and co a few problems. Liburd-Hines was on hand again to make a fantastic save as a snapshot from a long throw made its way through a crowded area.

Daventry Town FC 0 - 1 Lincoln United FC (HT)

Daventry made two changes at half-time and it was substitute Bakar that levelled the scoring within five minutes of the restart, the attacker getting on the end of a cross after some sloppy play from United.

Daventry Town 1 - 1 #TheWhites

Within minutes of the restart, Clarke drew a fantastic save out of Martin in the Daventry goal. His snapshot shot from a pulled-back cross was somehow kept out. United didn't have to wait long to restore their lead, Abouraia soon ensured 'The Whites' maintained their goal advantage. More good play down United's right saw Priestley deliver a sumptuous ball which Abouraia volleyed into the ground, the ball finding its way into the top corner.

Daventry Town 1 - 2 #TheWhites

At this point, United were defending well and also causing Daventry numerous problems; Park, Liversidge and Cotton in particular. It was the skipper, Cotton, who had the chance to extend the lead on two occasions; a driving run through the middle of the Daventry defence saw the attacking midfielder bare down on goal but both attempts were dragged wide of the post.

However, United made a change with Brooks replacing Park and the substitute was only on a matter of minutes before his relentless work ethic saw him win a penalty. This time Cotton made no mistake as he smashed the ball down the middle of the goal.

Daventry Town 1 - 3 #TheWhites

Daventry should arguably have been reduced to ten men after a flailing forearm smashed Callum Foster in the face, no further action was taken by the match official. The home side did grab a second as they caught United on the counter-attack, Bakar the scorer again as he tucked the ball beyond a helpless Liburd-Hines.

As the match ebbed towards an ending, United had to defend resolutely - Foster, Biggs, Jarvis, Smith, Clarke and two substitutes Ainslie and Costa stood up to the test to see United home.

Daventry Town FC 2 - 3 Lincoln United FC (FT)

A much-improved performance from United and on another day, it would perhaps have been 5 - 1. Attentions now turn to Saturday's home league fixture against Consett AFC (3pm KO).