Imps become Kings of Lincolnshire with derby win

Last updated : 16 February 2005 By Gary Hutchinson
Goal hero - Yeo
The fiery Scots comments in local media were meant to highlight the financial gulf between the two clubs, but by the end of derby day it was quality of football that gulfed the two sides. The comments before the game sparked derision from Imps fans who have suffered as much as any under tight financial restrictions whilst Boston continue to flash cash they just shouldn't have. In addition whilst Lincoln were battling against bankruptcy Boston were flaunting financial rules whilst winning the Conference. Tonights comments were perhaps meant to stoke the fire but ended up stoking nothing more than Citys aggression.

City lined up 4-3-3 for the big clash but were without towering centre backs Gareth McAuley and Ben Futcher. Ciaran Toner and Marcus Richardson were suspended pending an internal club investigation so Ritchie Hanlon got his second first team start for the Imps.

The Pilgrims threatened early on with prolific striker Andy Kirk hitting the bar, but City gave as good as they got with Yeo and Taylor Fletcher both having a sniff at goal.

The Imps should have had an opener after the quarter hour mark when Yeo and Green both tested Nathan Abbey. The Boston stopper was in fine form to produce a great double save which left the Imps a goal to the good at the break. This came just minutes after Abbey had cleverly denied Peter Gain.

Its was Toners replacement Ritchie Hanlon who sparked City into life with a simmering 35 yard piledriver after David Noble had stumbled over the ball. The goal had a real air of quality from what appeared to be an unthreatening range. However Hanlon grabbed his chance beautifully to give the Imps the 1-0 lead.

Scottish midfielder Stephen Boyack came on for ex Imp Dean West at half time, a player whom it would seem disproves Evans theory on princes and paupers. Boyack moved from Scottish Premier League side Livingston and is rumoured to be on handsome wages.

City hearts were in their mouths minutes after the restart when Danny Thomas went down over a Matt Bloomer challenge. It appeared that ref Andy D'Urso had awarded a penalty when the whistle went but the experienced official instantly booked Thomas for his theatrical fall.

Franny Green had an effort saved on the hour mark, but Boston were beginning to look dangerous with Danny Thomas and Andy Kirk both looking lively. However just after Greens effort the Imps should have been 2-0 up.

Peter Gains clever pass found Green behind Boston lines. He was denied by a quick thinking Nathan Abbey only for the ball to run to Taylor Fletcher. He shaped to slot the ball into the net but Abbey produced another fine save and managed to haul the ball out for a corner. The game had to stop for five minutes while Abbey recieved treatment for a nasty gash to the head. Despite his Physios advice Abbey decided to play on.

City wrapped the game up on the 70 minute mark. Fletcher again stretched the Pilgrims backline before finding on fire striker Simon Yeo on the edge of the area. The in form forward took a couple of touches before slotting the ball easily beyond a despairing Abbey. 2-0 and the game was all but won.

Boston pressed hard for a consolation goal with Andy Kirk testing Alan Marriott following a corner. Marriott parried the ball and Jamie McCombe was there to avert the threat from an goal hungry Kirk.

The dying seconds saw City playing for possesion and following 5 minutes of added time the whistle went and City were taking three points back on the short journey to our county town.

The win moves the Imps up to 5th with 51 points from 32 outings.