M AND OF THE MATCH
Dan breaks Imps’ duck to grab draw
DANIEL Mandroiu struck just after half-time to maintain the Imps’ impressive unbeaten home record in League One this term.
Darren Moore’s Owls took an early lead as Lee Gregory pounced on goalkeeper Carl Rushworth’s poor clearance. And the manger cut a frustrated figure after Wednesday were forced to settle for a point.
“It’s two points dropped,” said Wednesday boss Moore. “We were dominant. We should have been out of sight and I said that at half-time.
“A lapse in concentration cost us and it was wasteful finishing. We didn’t have that ruthless finish that we needed and it’s cost us two points.
“We are a little bit disappointed and frustrated to throw away two points. It’s concentration, it’s a mundane goal. There was nothing intricate about it. The opportunity was there to take maximum points.
We should have won the game with the amount of chances we created and that’s the most frustrating thing.
“No matter how much you dominate a game the other team will create chances. We knew the size of the task here. Credit to Lincoln as they are dogged with their defending. We regained control again after their goal. It is a concentration element to their goal, which is frustrating.”
Rushworth’s poor clearance gifted the visitors the lead after just seven minutes. He fired straight at Gregory and he slotted home the opener.
Both sides had chances before the break, with Owls stopper David Stockdale doing well to keep out Ben House’s well-struck effort. Ben Heneghan came close to a first
Wednesday goal, but the post kept him out. Mandroiu stabbed home the equaliser moments after the restart after being slipped in by House.
Barry Bannan almost stole it for Moore’s side, but Paudie O’Connor cleared his effort off the line.
Pleased Lincoln boss Mark Kennedy said: “It’s a good point, it’s more than a really good point.
“Obviously you want to win your home games, but you had to respect the opposition you’re up against.
“I was super impressed with them. I think they’re a top team and similar to Ipswich. Anyone who finishes above them will get promoted.
“I have no problem with the goal. It happens. Carl’s a brilliant lad, an incredible goalkeeper who’s excellent with his feet. These things happen.
“I told him that he better come in bouncing on Monday otherwise I’ll be really angry with him.”