City had started with no goals in three matches and only had a single point courtesy of a resolute defensive display against Doncaster Rovers.
The previous season’s optimism has dissipated, with supporters fearing a return to the years of struggle before administratioWithn. The fourth league game of the season didn’t do much for fan’s hopes – it was a trip to Gigg Lane to play Bury, who’d finished seventh the previous season. That meant our opening four matches had been against the three teams directly below us the year before, and the Conference champions.
It was challenging. Bury boss Andy Preece had been critical of us the year before, and his side looked strong. Jon Newby, David Nugent, Harpial Singh and Danny Swailes were all good players for the level, and our squad was still shaping up.
As was standard, City started 5-2-3, Marriott, Bailey, Mayo, Weaver, Morgan, Futcher, Gain, Butcher, Liburd, Cropper and Taylor-Fletcher. It was clear where we were lacking – up top. The bench featured Marcus Richardson, on loan from Hartlepool, as well as Simon Yeo, Scott Willis, Ben Sedgemore and Matt Bloomer.
Shot-shy City hit form just at the right time, and took the game to Bury. After 24 minutes, Taylor-Fletcher hit his first goal for the club, an assured finish that was also the Imps first goal of the campaign – with the cup game against Stockport included, it meant 384 minutes of blank football put behind us. Cropper held the ball up, Peter Gain seized on the moment and threaded a pass for the striker to finish.
A slicker City then deserved to stretch the lead, Butcher and Taylor-Fletcher both having good chances. Even with ten minutes to go, City deserved the points. Then a hammer blow struck – Lee Unsworth nodded home against the run of play.
The game erupted in controversy in the dying embers. Referee Kevin Wright wanted to play until Sunday, and with an extra four minutes on the clock, he awarded the home side a penalty. Singh’s cross hit Futcher and the referee dithered before seemingly being swayed by the 2,300-odd home fans by pointing to the spot.
Amongst the chaos, player-manager Preece stepped up and stroked the ball home to give the home side an unlikely win.
“The referee was a disgrace,” raged Keith. “He’s in his first year and there are too many learning their trade at our expense.” Within a year, Wright was officiating in the Championship.
The result left the Imps second from bottom in the division, in the relegation spots. Next up? York City, with a 100% record and only a single goal against them in the league.
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