Imps left longing for better return
DANNY Cowley has warned that Lincoln City must not become a ‘hard luck story’ this season.
The Imps will wonder what might have been after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Morecambe on their Sincil Bank return to the Football League.
A strike by City’s marquee summer signing Matt Green cancelled out Aaron Wildig’s fine opener for the visitors, both coming after the break, but Lincoln and Cowley will reflect on a host of squandered chances.
“That was one of the best performances I have seen from us without winning the game,” said Cowley.
“We are really pleased with the performance but disappointed with the outcome. That is now two excellent performances to start the season but only two points.
“We don’t want to be a hard luck story because nobody likes that – least of all me.
“Their goalkeeper was exceptional but if we’re honest with ourselves, we should have taken our chances. According to the stats, we had 11 clear chances by half-time. We need to be converting some of them.”
Veteran Morecambe custodian Barry Roche produced a stunning save to tip a fine curling effort from Jordan Maguire-Drew onto the bar in the 16th minute as City raced out of the blocks.
The visitors almost snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time when Aaron McGowan’s fabulous 40yard screamer clipped Paul Farman’s bar.
An opening goal did come after 54 minutes.
City again started the half brightly but from a rare attack by Morecambe, the ball fell kindly to midfielder Wildig and he expertly guided his volley into the corner.
The Imps responded almost immediately, with Roche saving superbly from Matt Rhead on the turn. From the resulting corner, Sean Raggett’s header was cleared off the line.
Chance after chance came and finally, Green gobbled up an opportunity on 70 minutes, the striker shielding Nathan Arnold’s pass before firing home.
Lincoln created a host of late chances to snatch all three points but the visitors held on.
Morecambe manager Jim Bentley said: “Make no mistake – this is a really good point away from home against a really strong team. I honestly believe Lincoln will steamroll lots of sides season and if they can get some momentum going, they will be a real threat.
“Barry Roche was superb in goal for us.”