Repeat of last season would be very welcome

By theimps.tk
May 4 2006

We look back at Rochdale's last visit to Sincil Bank and that game provided a result that would see the Imps make the playoffs this season with a 1-1 draw. A goal from Matt Bloomer was cancelled out by a late goal against the run of play and was the 3rd 1-1 draw in 4 years at Sincil Bank.

TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2004

Out of form striker, Simon Yeo had the Imps' first chance within a minute but he could only direct his shot wide of the goal. The striker, who had only scored twice in the league before this game had another chance on 8 minutes but just like before, his header could only be directed wide from Kevin Sandwith's cross.

Gallimore had the visitor's first effort but it could have taken something special from the 40 yards to beat Marriott and instead the shot flew well wide of the goal. Weller then had a good oppurtunity for the visitors but his shot following went straight to Marriott.

Yeo again caused problems soon afterwards as Gareth McAuley headed a Green corner his way, however, the striker hesitated and the ball was eventually cleared. A good save from Edwards on the quarter hour saw Yeo again get in a good position but Edwards produced another fine save. Despite good pressure from the Imps, Rochdale appeared to take the lead when a deflection from Futcher off McGivern's shot was heading goalwards but luckily hit the side netting.

Gary Jones was booked with nearly half an hour gone and Paul Weller almost followed him following his protests. However, Jones soon had the oppurtunity to open the scoring when he had a free kick about 30 yards out, however, it went straight at Marriott. That was the last incident of a rather quiet half.

However, the Imps did take the lead quickly in the second half when Marriott's free kick was flicked on by Ben Futrcher and out of all the people on the pitch, it was Matt Bloomer who was there to comfortably slide the ball into the goal and give the Imps a 1-0 lead. However, Futcher's header proved vital minutes later when he headed a Gary Jones cross goalwards but luckily for the Imps, it hit the bar and went out.

Green and Yeo were proving industrious on the wing and with new signing Martin Carruthers in attack, it looked like it would be a good night for the Imps and only a great defensive block from Burgess prevented the former Scunthorpe striker from scoring his first goal for City.

Yeo then came off and was replaced by top goalscorer, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and soon after, Carruthers made way for Marcus Richardson. Clarke replaced McGivern for the visitors and Clarke soon scored Rochdale's equaliser. A low cross was deflected into the path of Clarke and he had all the time in the world to slot past Marriott very much against the run of play. The final whistle went just 4 minutes later.

TEAMS

Lincoln City : Alan Marriott, Matt Bloomer, Kevin Sandwith, Ben Futcher, Paul Morgan, Gareth McAuley, Richard Butcher, Peter Gain, Simon Yeo, Francis Green, Martin Carruthers. Subs : Gary Taylor-Fletcher (for Yeo 76), Marcus Richardson (for Carruthers 78), Jamie McCombe, Ciaran Toner, Nathan Peat.

Rochdale : Neil Edwards, Wayne Evans, Greg Heald, Dayl Burgess, Tony Gallimore, Paul Weller, Scott Warner, Gary Jones, Ernie Cooksey, Leighton McGivern, Grant Holt. Subs : Leo Bertos (for Cooksey 66), Ashley Probets (for Warner 77), Jamie Clarke (for McGivern 83), Alan Goodall, Matthew Gilks.