Hero Scully provides the X-factor for gutsy Imps
MICHAEL Appleton hailed one of Lincoln City’s “best results of the season” after they edged out relegation-threatened Bristol Rovers.
The Imps took the lead through Anthony Scully’s pinpoint finish after 16 minutes, before the Gas had Ed
Upson sent off after a fracas involving Lincoln’s Brennan Johnson and Tayo Edun shortly before half-time.
Rovers battled hard to salvage a result, but the Imps kept them at arm’s length to secure a vital win in pursuit of a play-off berth. The Gas plunged deep into the mire and are in need of a miracle to avoid the drop
“It was a great game to win, but it wasn’t a great game to watch,” Appleton said.
“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 one of our worst. We had to be resolute.
“We came through a stern test with flying colours.”
Rovers went close inside a minute when Alfie Kilgour’s header hit the bar. But they were soon behind as Scully linked with Johnson to unlock the defence. The Irishman finished the chance coolly from a narrow angle.
Rovers were left with a mountain to climb when Upson got tangled in a melee with Johnson and Edun.
The Rovers man had Johnson pinned to the floor before Edun got involved. Referee Will Finnie gave Upson a straight red card, while the Lincoln duo received bookings.
Rovers huffed and puffed in the second half, but the chances did not come and City should have extended their lead, but Morgan Rogers and Callum Morton spurned openings late on.
Rovers boss Joey Barton thought his side were unlucky to be on the wrong side of the decision to dismiss Upson.
“I didn’t expect a red card,” Barton said. “I thought it was handbags and if there was going to be a red then I expected it to be their No.7 (Edun), who threw two punches.
“I spoke to Ed and he’s not that type of boy. It’s frustrating, but also we’ve got to take decisions out of the referee’s hands and be better than that.”