It was so far over, the net was almost bulging
and down, threatening the foundations of the stand. There were heroes all over the pitch, none more so than the imposing figure of Matthew Rhead, a burly centreforward made of granite – someone who wouldn’t look out of place as a bouncer.
He cer tainly made his impression on Joey Barton who could easily have been sent off after becoming embroiled in a running battle with Rhead.
There were a number of flashpoints, the biggest arriving when the pair squared up after Terry Hawkridge had tumbled over in the penalty area.
Barton went to ground himself, claiming a rogue Rhead arm had felled him. TV replays suggested there had been the minimum of contact. Barton was booked while Lincoln will also suggest that the former Manchester City midfielder had led with his arm in an aerial challenge with Alan Power.
It had been green for go from 5 ............. Shots on Target............ 1 9 ............. Shots off Target........... 3 3 ...............Blocked Shots ............. 1 6 .....................Corners................... 4 11 ........................Fouls .................... 17 2 .....................Offsides .................. 3 2 .................Yellow Cards.............. 2 0 ...................Red Cards ................ 0 67.8 ........Passing Success .... 56.6 22 ....................Tackles .................. 15 81.8 .........Tackles Won %...... 86.7 59.7 .............Possession .........40.3 48.7 ...Territorial Advantage 51.3 360 ............Total Passes ......... 244 16 ...............Total Crosses ............ 12 62.8 .......... 1st Half Poss.......... 37.2 56.3 .........2nd Half Poss......... 43.7 the start for the National League side who proved they had the heads for the heights of Premier League combat.
In fact they could have been celebrating an early lead following a casual clearance from Heaton.
Back it came to Nathan Arnold who cut into the box and fed Jack Muldoon who could only fire over the bar from an inviting position.
Burnley misfired in front of goal, Andre Gray having a game to forget while Sam Vokes and Scott Arfield also missed decent chances.
Lincoln were not to be denied. Next up for the giantkillers? A trip to North Ferriby in the National League – after all, FA Cup glory doesn’t last for ever.