Lincoln City 0 Northampton Town 0

Last updated : 02 October 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Lincoln again failed to take their chances as they were held 0-0 by a managerless Northampton side who almost pulled off a surprise win.

The Imps had the majority of possession but Northampton, under caretaker boss Richard Hill, woke up in the second half and could easily have snatched the winner.

Lincoln started on top and after just 14 minutes Town defender Paul Reid was forced to clear off his own line after keeper Lee Harper misdirected a punched clearance.

Harper made amends moments later when he got down well to keep out a low shot from Peter Gain.

The Cobblers escaped again in the 20th minute when Mark Bailey sent a free kick inches over the top.

Harper then made a reaction save to keep out a close-range shot from Gary Fletcher.

Northampton should have taken the lead on the hour when Josh Low got behind the Lincoln defence only to shoot badly wide.

Lincoln hit back four minutes later with a flowing move with Fletcher cracking a 20 yard shot against the crossbar.

Paul Trollope put Low away again but, from a good position, he failed to hit the target.

Low, Northampton's liveliest player on the night, had another chance in stoppage time after a great pass from Reid split the Lincoln defence wide open.

As Low headed for goal the City keeper Alan Marriott was quickly off his line and saved bravely at the striker's feet.

Afterwards Northampton's caretaker boss Hill made it clear he is keen to take the job on a permanent basis.

He said: "I'd love the opportunity to be in charge. I'd grab it with both hands.

“Northampton Town are close to my heart. I've got a lot of affinity for the football club and a lot of affinity for the supporters." "I've got a couple of games to stake my claim. Opportunities like this don't come along very often. All I can say is I'll do my best for the club."