Stalemate at Blundell Park

By: Martin Copass
Date: 07/04/2004

A bright but chilly afternoon greeted the larger than average reserve crowd, swelled due to the fact that it is a school break time. Unfortunately, the football was nothing to write home about.

As with the last home game a very young side took to the field for the Mariners, with Parker and Ward the only ones who could claim a brief flirtation with the first team squad. In the visitors' side was Kevin George, a player who had impressed earlier in the season when he appeared for the Town second string. Although there seemed to be plenty of determination and hard graft, there was little in the way of entertainment to please the crowd, and neither goalkeeper had to do much at all in the first half. What little Chittock did, at least gave the impression that he may be one to keep an eye on for the future.

Despite the lack of entertainment, Town did go in at half time with a one-goal lead, thanks to a well-taken goal by Joe Lightowler. After having taken an edge of the box free kick, his block shot returned to him, and he then lobbed the keeper to put Town one up with just a minute left of the half.

The second half was slightly better, but it was always the visitors who looked likely to score the next goal. Town keeper Chittock made several fine saves, but he was unable to stop a fine curling edge of the box shot that put Lincoln level with just ten minutes remaining of the game.

The club seem to be trying out these youngsters with a view to seeing if they are able to cope at a higher level than they are used to, and it does give the young players a chance to prove they are worth keeping on for next season. It may not provide a lot of entertainment for the fans, but it is important for the management to see what the younger players are capable of.

With just two home reserve games to go, they are likely to be on duty for both of these and, as one is against league leaders Hartlepool United, they will certainly get a test of their abilities.

Town: Chittock, Parker Ward, Newton, Wheeler, Chamberlain, Huckett, Hildred, Nimmo, Lightowler, Hegarty

Subs Howard, Hyam, Stares, Parker L,

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