What a way to end the decade: Imps 5-3 Ipswich
What a way to end an absolute roller coaster of a decade for the Imps as Ipswich were put to the sword at the LNER Stadium, writes Jake Tonge.
Michael Appleton named an unchanged line-up from the side that were narrowly beaten on Boxing Day by his former side with Aaron Lewis returning to the bench ahead of Tom Pett.
Ipswich. Well they looked fantastic on paper. James Norwood and Kayden Jackson up top had been bagging them in this season with a host of talent behind them.
The Imps came out the blocks quickly, something that we have become accustomed to in recent years. The first chance fell to Michael Bostwick who tamely headed straight at Will Norris in the Ipswich goal. But it wouldn’t be long until the Imps would have a glorious chance to take the lead.
Just two minutes later, a wonderful reverse pass from Jake Hesketh fell perfectly into the path of Harry Anderson who slotted home the first of the afternoon.
City remained on top and looked to kill the game off, something that even Appleton has admitted in recent weeks we have struggled to do. A cross flashed across the box which just evaded Tyler Walker and Hesketh. Joe Morrell tested Norris’ handling with an effort from just outside the area but the Imps were on top in the first half an hour.
But with the quality that the Tractor Boys posses, they were always going to work their way back into the game. Andre Dozzell seemed just to fall over after conceding possession with referee James Oldham giving a free-kick. Luke Garbutt curled around the wall and into the corner to level the game, it was definitely harsh on the Imps as they had managed to contain Ipswich for the opening stages of the game.
Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, City looked to re-take the lead. A delightful ball in from Grant was met delicately with a flick from Anderson. Despite leaving Norris stuck in the mud, the ball cannoned back off the post and away from danger.
But City were not to be denied before the half-time whistle. A channel ball from Neal Eardley was chased down by Walker. The Nottingham Forest loanee beat Norris to the ball and looped the ball several yards in the air. For a few seconds, nobody knew where the ball was, well, all except Tyler Walker. The ball bounced on the line and into the net. A very similar goal to John Akinde’s against Forest Green last year except it appeared that Walker’s effort had well cleared the top of the Co-Op stand.
The Imps ahead of the break, and once again they looked to add yet another goal early in the second half. A series of set-pieces were well dealt with by Ipswich. Hesketh going the closest to adding a third but he was denied by Norris. Eardley then decided to take matters into his own hands by unleashing a 30 yard strike that went narrowly wide of the post.
Minutes later, Ipswich won a corner and the ball was in the back of the City net. Harry Toffolo the unfortunate party to have turned it past Josh Vickers. At this moment there was a surge in atmosphere. Not just from the Ipswich fans behind the goal, but from the City fans. It was obvious that City had worked relentlessly hard to get themselves in front twice and to be pegged back both times was going to test the character of Appleton and his soldiers.
It didn’t take long for the fifth goal of the game to arrive. A driving run into the penalty area from Morrell who played a searching ball was met at the back post by, can you guess? Tyler Walker. He notched home yet another goal as he expertly found the corner and City led again.
Ipswich made a double substitution after the goal with former Imp James Wilson returning into the centre of their defence. He received a couple hundred boos as he found his way onto the pitch. Highly unjustified from my point of view following his release in the summer.
But even Wilson couldn’t prevent what was about to happen. Grant’s short corner found Morrell who played a first time ball right onto the boot of Michael Bostwick. His effort hit the post but cannoned into the back of Norris and over the line. Finally, some breathing room that the Imps had deserved. The goal may not go down as a Bostwick goal but I’m sure not going to be the one to tell him that, so on that note, well done Bozzy.
Just as soon as everything looked as if it was going well. A twist in the tale. Will Keane slotted home with seven minutes plus stoppage time to go to ramp up the nerves amongst the home supporters. Appleton said in his post-match interview that a more experienced group might have tried to run the ball into the corner to remain ahead, but the enthusiasm and youthfulness of the lads saw City hit a fifth. Anderson expertly found Walker who laid it into the path of Hesketh. The goal was gaping, the goal that his performance deserved was seconds away. He cooly passed the ball into the corner and sent the Bank into raptures.
A memorable way to end a memorable decade at Lincoln City Football Club. Maybe not the game of the decade in terms of importance but certainly in terms of entertainment.
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