Substitute Tom Pett came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as Lincoln City beat Crewe Alexandra at Sincil Bank on Saturday afternoon.
Within just a couple of minutes of coming off the bench, Tom Pett volleyed in from close range to carry Lincoln City to a 1-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra, helping The Imps get back to winning ways in front of the home crowd.
Chances were few and far between in the early stages of the game. John Akinde provided an aerial threat but failed to connect with many crosses early on, while Crewe remained hard to break down – but posed no threat going forward.
Crewe began to get into the game more, maintaining possession throughout the middle stages of the second half, but also failed to pose any serious goalscoring threat.
John Akinde’s half volley flew over the bar after a strong run from Michael O’Connor – who was voted as man of the match – and Crewe ‘keeper Ben Garratt remained untested until the later stages of the first half. However, the ‘keeper made an impressive save from Harry Anderson’s goal-bound poke after Crewe forward Chris Porter headed towards his own net.
After the break, Crewe continued to keep possession well but failed to make any serious chances. McCartan failed to connect cleanly with Eardley’s ball down the line, leaving Garratt to collect the ball with ease.
The game was turned around when winger Harry Anderson made way for Tom Pett, who was involved in the action immediately. Akinde knocked down from McCartan’s cross in for Lee Frecklington to nod back down for Pett, who struck the ball cleanly. Garratt got a hand to Pett’s strike, but couldn’t keep the ball out.
Crewe looked to bounce back, as midfielder Charlie Kirk’s effort was saved by Josh Vickers who got down low to keep The Imps ahead.
Lincoln had the chance to seal all three points after Bruno Andrade was dragged down by Kevin O’Connor, giving Lee Frecklington the chance to make it 2-0 from 12 yards. However, Frecklington’s penalty was poorly placed and Garratt saved to keep the Railwaymen in the game.
However, Lincoln did well to withstand the pressure to seal all three points in front of the home crowd.
