Lincoln City 1 Notts. County 1

Last updated : 06 August 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Lincoln's failure to take their first half chances cost them an opening day victory. City totally dominated the first 45 minutes, but by the break all they had to show for their efforts was an early goal from Adie Moses.

Moses struck after just 10 minutes when the County defence failed to deal with an in-swinging corner from Jeff Hughes. The ball almost went straight in, but Austin McCann cleared off the line only for Moses to follow up to net an easy goal. At the time Lincoln were down to 10 men with striker Danny Bacon off the field receiving stitches to a head injury.

Bacon eventually returned and played his part in a lively opening half performance from the Imps.

Lee Beevers wasted an easy 24th minute chance for Lincoln when he shot over with the goal at his mercy.

Seven minutes later a free-kick from Scott Kirk found the head of Moses, but the Lincoln man's effort flew inches wide.

County failed to manage a serious attack until first-half injury time when Andy Parkinson brought a save out of Lincoln keeper Alan Marriott.

It was a different story after the break, with County taking control.

David Pipe shot wide after being set up by Jason Lee. Then Lee was crowded out inside the Lincoln area.

County went close in the 53rd minute when a cross from Ian Ross picked out Mike Edwards, but from six yards out the defender headed over.

Ross was instrumental in the move which brought County's 54th minute equaliser. He sent over a free-kick from the left which Lincoln left-back Jeff Hughes could only head into his own net.

County continued to attack, and Pipe went close with a 58th minute shot. Then Ross shot over after being set up by Junior Mendes.

Substitute Tcham N'Toya troubled Lincoln with his pace after replacing the injured Lee and saw a late shot well held by Marriott.

County almost snatched three points in stoppage time but were denied by an excellent interception from Moses which kept out Mendes.