Imps - Steve Tilson = 3 points at Alfreton

Lincoln City's first game in the post-Tilson era saw a 3-1 win at Alfreton Town. A brace from Sam Smith and a Gavin McCalllum effort, all within the first 25 minutes, meant the Imps left the Impact Arena with all three points without every really being challenged by a poor Alfreton side.

Alfreton kicked off and were the first to show an attacking intent as former Imps trialist Connor Franklin hit a cross that was claimed by Anyon. Mullan started four quickfire corners, none of which came to anything. McCallum had City’s first effort as his 20 yard effort went just wide of the target but it wasn’t long before City won a corner. Debutant Karl Cunningham took the set piece and it Sam Smith tapped it in whilst unmarked from 6 yards.

Two minutes later and the Imps were two up when McCallum produced a good run down the left, skipping past a few challenges before squaring the ball to Smith, who again found himself unmarked a few yards out and he tapped into an empty net.

Alfreton had plenty of the ball but not really doing a lot with it until they made it 2-1 as Clayton headed in a Franklin ball to score their first effort on goal. Alfreton missed a few chances as Anyon saw a deep cross go just wide from Mackin. From the resulting play Anyon’s kick was allowed to bounce and McCallum found himself through on goal, he composed himself and smashed it into the net to make it 3-1, the first time City had scored more than twice on the road since January 22^nd.

Mullan hit the side netting from 25 yards before Stevenson hit an effort well wide. Alfreton’s problem was that they were enjoying plenty of possession but Anyon was largely a spectator. Leigh Franks was booked for a late challenge on Nicolau.

Smith had his hatrick goal blocked before McCallum was denied his second by a last ditch tackle to end the first half.

Debutant Cunningham came close to a debut goal was he was played through but Anton Brown deflected it out for a throw-in. Young Cunningham, son of former City man Tony (who was in the crowd), was soon replaced by Fuseini. Infact, it was mainly substitutions that made noteworthy additions for most of the second half was the wet conditions made it awkward for both sides.

Alfreton sliced a few chances over the bar but neither side ever really looked like adding to the score and the game ended 3-1.