Reeco Hackett’s first-half strike was enough for Lincoln City to come away with all three points against the Valiants
Darren Moore made three changes from his side's last league outing against Plymouth Argyle. Funso Ojo, Jayden Stockley & Ronan Curtis all returned to the Starting eleven.
The hosts controlled the possession for the opening moments of the game in what were some horrendous conditions for football. They had the game’s first chance when Freddie Draper found himself through on goal before he sliced his effort wide from just inside the area.
Vale grew into the game and fashioned a chance of their own in the 27th minute.
Devante Cole did well to retrieve the ball down the right side before hanging up a cross towards the back post that was headed wide by Ronan Curtis.
Two minutes later, Vale had Ben Heneghan to thank as he made an excellent goal-line clearance to prevent the hosts from taking the lead. Tendayi Darikwa’s cross from the right wasn’t cleared by Vale, and it fell to Ben House, who headed goalwards, but there was Heneghan to clear off the line.
Just after the half-hour mark, the hosts took the lead. Adam Reach’s cut-back from the left found Reeco Hackett, who arrowed a strike into the top left corner, just out of the reach of Joe Gauci, who got a hand on it.
After going a goal down, Vale pushed for an instant leveller and came close in the 38th minute. Ronan Curtis’ corner from the right was met by Ben Garrity, who headed wide from 12 yards out.
The second half took a while to get going, with neither side really creating opportunities. The Valiants enjoyed a lot of the ball but failed to get into any threatening positions. In fact, the first real opportunity of the half came ten minutes from time. Kyle John's throw-in was cleared back to him and he sent in a cross towards the unmarked George Hall, who had time to pick a corner, but he could only head straight at George Wickens in the Lincoln City goal from six yards out.
One minute from time, the hosts came Lincoln come close to another as James Collins did well to keep the ball in down the left side and sent in a low cross towards Rob Street, but his close-range effort is well blocked behind for a corner.
Vale continued to push for a leveller, but the Lincoln defence stood firm and cleared any danger that came their way as they held on to earn all three points
TEAM NEWS
Lincoln City: George Wickens, Tendayi Darikwa ©, Adam Reach, Reeco Hackett (Ryley Towler 79’), Jack Moylan (Tom Bayliss 65’), Conor McGrandles, Sonny Bradley, Ben House, Justin Obikwu (Rob Street 65’), Tom Hamer, Freddie Draper (James Collins 79’)
Subs not used: Zack Jeacock, Erik Ring, Ivan Varfolomeev.
Port Vale: Joe Gauci, Ben Heneghan, Connor Hall, Ben Garrity ©, Jayden Stockley (Mo Faal 60’), Ronan Curtis (Ruari Paton 90+1), Funso Ojo, Kyle John, Cameron Humphreys, George Hall, Devante Cole (Dajaune Brown 90+1).
Subs not used: Ben Amos, George Byers, Rhys Walters, Jesse Debrah.
