Appleton’s joy at ‘best result’

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MICHAEL APPLETON hailed one of Lincoln’s “best results of the season” against relegationthreatened Bristol Rovers.

The Imps took the lead through Anthony Scully’s pinpoint finish after 16 minutes. The Gas then had

Ed Upson sent-off after a fracas involving Lincoln’s Brennan Johnson and Tayo Edun in the 36th minute.

“It was a great game to win, but it definitely wasn’t a great game to watch,” said Lincoln boss Appleton, whose side remain firmly in the play-off hunt.

“That’s what you need to do if you’re going to have success, you’re going to have to win certain games.

“It’s definitely one of the best results of the season, but in terms of performances it was arguably one of our worst. We had to be resolute and I thought we were resolute as a group.”

Rovers boss Joey Barton thought his side were unfortunate to be on the wrong side of referee Will Finnie’s decision to dismiss Upson in the 36th minute.

“I didn’t expect a red card,” Barton said.

“I thought it was handbags and if there was going to be a red card then I expected it to be their number seven (Edun), who threw two punches.”