Northern Premier League Division One South - THE MATCH

Lincoln United 3-1 Willenhall Town

Ben Garrick 3, 28

Andy Dunkerley 25

Matt O'Halloran

'Value for Travel!' - Official Match Report

Credit goes to the players of crisis club Willenhall Town who made the long trip to Lincolnshire under their own steam to fulfil this Unibond fixture.
If any of the 101 strong crowd at Ashby Avenue were expecting a dull game between two sides at the wrong end of the table they were in for a surprise, as the sides produced an exciting end to end first half.
The visitors had the first chance of the game when Nicholls set up big striker Dunkerley for a pop at goal, his effort however was straight at keeper Ziccardi. From this effort United went on the counter attack and Garrick opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, his effort beating Jones.
On the quarter, some good chasing by Smith saw the winger set up captain McDaid whose shot was well wide and high of the Willenhall goal.
The hosts started to apply the pressure and some relentless work by Fleming saw him send over a delightful cross, which Garrick met and touched the ball goal wards with a goal looking certain, (M) Robertson cleared off the line. From the conceded corner, the ball was sent goal wards, only for Pomroy-Crowe to clear off the goal line.
With the Lockmen still trying to play their passing game, their endeavours paid off in the 25th minute when Nicholls set up an unmarked Dunkerley, the striker taking his time to control the ball before dispatching a low powerful shot past Ziccardi to restore the status quo.
United regained the lead just 3 minutes later, Garrick wormed his way through the defence unchallenged before slotting the ball past Jones.
On the half hour Fleming looking off side set up O’Halloran, his point blank effort bravely blocked by Jones. Three minutes later and a headed ball from a corner was cleared off the line by Pomroy-Crowe.
With half time beckoning a great volley by McDaid sent the ball into the top corner, only to be denied by the hand of Jones.
The second half resumed as the first half had ended, with Pomroy-Crowe clearing off the goal line following a rare missed punch by Jones. Smith then saw his speculative effort go just over. From the resulting goal kick, Nicholls received the ball, which he then threaded through towards Rose, who faced a head to head race with Ziccarid, the keeper just getting his toe to the ball first to clear the danger. From his punt up field Wilkinson shot just wide.
United increased their lead in the 74th minute when sub Cann put O’hara through in space, and the striker blasted the ball past Jones.
With 5 minutes remaining Bull sent a free kick on the edge of the area goal wards, only to be denied by Jones.

Lockmen line up; Matt Jones, Mike Robertson, George Pomroy-Crowe, Shaun Griffiths ©, Andre Calder, Matty Whitehouse, Andrew Worley, Matty Dorgan, Andy Dunkerley, Nick Robertson, Ricky Nicholls.
Bench; Carlton Rose, Dean Humpage, Jack Goodwin, Ashley Porter.