Lincoln City strengthened their promotion push with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Burton Albion, with Jack Moylan scoring twice in a contest that was often scrappy but ultimately decided by moments of quality, writes Gary Hutchinson at the LNER Stadium.
Lincoln began brightly despite tricky conditions caused by persistent rain, although early possession was often squandered by both sides. Burton Albion’s first real moment of threat came from a corner when Kain Adom’s pace caused uncertainty in the home defence, forcing George Wickens to punch clear. The hosts responded soon after when Reeco Hackett found space at the back post following a long throw, but his effort struck the side netting from a tight angle.
The opening quarter was open but untidy. Wickens was forced into quick reactions when a poor clearance gifted Burton an opportunity, only for Tom Hamer to recover with a vital challenge. Conor McGrandles then carried the ball forward for the hosts before firing over from distance, while Burton continued to test City’s concentration through direct balls and set pieces.
Burton appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty midway through the half when Beesley went down in the area, with referee Matt Corlett unmoved. Hackett remained a threat from dead balls, one corner causing chaos in the six-yard box before Bradley Collins punched clear under pressure.
The game’s first clear opening arrived on 33 minutes when Hackett’s delivery found Rob Street, whose header was well saved by Collins. Two minutes later, City made the breakthrough. McGrandles picked out Moylan 25 yards from goal and the midfielder unleashed a superb strike that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The lead lasted barely a minute. Burton responded immediately when Jake Beesley reacted quickest inside the six-yard box to poke home from close range, capitalising on hesitation in the City defence. The visitors ended the half on top, Beesley heading over from a free kick before Lincoln blocked two late efforts to ensure the sides went in level at the interval.
Second Half
The Imps started the second half sluggishly, conceding territory and cheap free kicks. Burton nearly capitalised when Julian Larsson delivered dangerously into the box, but Ivan Varfolomeev cleared well. Against the run of play, City regained the lead on 55 minutes. Clever play down the left allowed Freddie Draper to get a low shot away, Collins could only parry it, and Moylan reacted fastest to score his second from close range.
Burton continued to press. Wickens was forced into a sharp save moments later, and Larsson saw a shot blocked from the resulting corner. Moylan almost completed his hat trick on 75 minutes after Draper was fouled on the edge of the area, but his free kick angled wide.
Both sides made changes as the match entered its final phase, with Burton pushing for an equaliser and City looking to manage the game. The closing stages were fractious, with several bookings issued as tempers rose, including one for Burton manager Gary Bowyer.
