Richard Money allowed the players to walk the short distance to the ground from the hotel in an effort to loosen the players up for the game. However the saddlers seemed to be expecting a walk in the park, as they failed to get to grips with a determined Lincoln side. In truth the first half was a million miles away from the previous performances and it look certain that the 679 away fans were going to witness an away day off day. The main problem was midfield with Kinsella and Keates unable to get to grips with the Imps.
The first goal was a sucker punch as we fell asleep as Adie Moses took a quick freekick which allowed Kerr and frecklington to link up, before the ex Scarbourough man let fly into the net from distance. To rub salt into the wound Walsall who had kept three clean sheets in the last three games conceeded a second. This time some good play from ex sadler Jamie Forester and Mark Stallard left the defence wide open as Frecklington speed into the box to send a diving header into the net past the exposed Clayton Ince. The Saddlers claimed offside but on one else agreed. Walsall were rocked by the events and failed to get to grips and third for the Imps seemed more likely than a Saddlers goal.
HT 2-0
Richard Money was given his first managerial test this season, and his team were under pressure. His solution was to replace Mark Kinsella with Craig Pead, and the ineffective Mark Wright with new boy Carlos Fanguerio.
The changes made it a more even contest with Craig Pead in particular making an impact, with Carlos also more dangerous than Wrighty. However despite scares at both ends it looked as if the Saddlers had left there shooting boots at Bescot. Richard Money then introduced Ishmel Demontagnac in place of Daniel Fox, and he injected some much needed pace out wide. Then what looked to be a consilation goal, Kris Taylor burst into the box onto a deflected through ball to fire low under keeper Marriot. Free kicks for both teams were wasted and Lincoln were trying to waste time as Walsall pushed forward, 3 minutes of stoppage time was indicated, then with time running out, Gerrard fed Carlos Fanguerio who turn and fired in from eight yards despite Marriot gettting a hand to it, the ball nestled into the net, anguish for the Imps, celebrations for the Saddlers.
A draw that feels like a win!!!
Player Ratings
Clayton Ince
Worked more than the last three games,some slips were not costly. Would be disappointed to conceed but was left exposed for the second.
Chris Westwood
Still has question marks as a fullback, Mark Wright going missing infront of him didn’t help.
Kris Taylor
Still growing into the role, scored the goal to get us back into it, playing further forward would give him more chance to add to his goal tally.
Ian Roper
Not as comfortable as in previous games found Foresters pace and movement a hand full.
Anthony Gerrard
Like Roper worked hard and stuck to his task but not as comfortable as previous games, he will be looking over his shoulder at Alan Picken as he regains fitness.
Mark Wright
One of those days for Wrighty, with Carlos coming into the club Wright was given a chance to keep the shirt, he failed to take that oppourtunity.
Mark Kinsella
Not able to get to grips with the Imps midfield,and withdrawn at half time. Whether it was his injury or old legs or jusy an off day he might well find himself rested against Plymouth.
Dean Keates
Struggled in the first half against his old club, faired better in the second.
Daniel Fox
Left hand side looks solid with the Taylor Fox combination but it just doesn’t provide enough attacking threat.
Hector Sam
Good movement no shooting boots, starting to need that first goal.
Martin Butler
Failed to score for second game, no disaster like Sam found it hard when the rest of the team is mis firing.
Craig Pead
Made the difference when he came on. My star man
Carlos Fanguerio
Having joined on Friday I bet he didn’t expect to play 45 minutes let alone a debut goal, could prove the key to unlocking some stubbon league defences.
No booking plenty of effort, a bit more like the Ishy we need this season. Celebrated his England under 19 call up with a sound performance.
Manager Rating
The team let Dickie Dosh down and didn’t rise to the high standards they have set themselves. Richard shook things up at half time and came up trumps. As a manager you live or die by your subsitutions, Richards standing with the Bescot faithful rises even more. The team has proven that it has the character to fight at the right end of the table.
The training ground this week will be some set piece practise we were poor at both ends today.
