Hutch hits rare penalty as Imps make it 3 in a row

For the third season in a row, Lincoln City's first home win of the year came thanks to a win over Barnet. The Imps secured the win through the first home penalty seen at Sincil Bank since December 2008, but it didn't reflect a game where Barnet wasted chance after chance. With the win, City returned to 15th, the highest City have ever been in a table under Sutton.

The Imps started brightly with Hutchinson just failing to meet a Jarrett cross, but Barnet came closest to taking an early lead as Marshall's effort was gathered at his feet by Anyon. It was a slow start to the game that was filled with fouls, Clark Keltie in particular lucky to escape a card after a hefty challenge on Holmes.

There were shouts for a City penalty as Clapham burst into the area before going down under a challenge. The penalty was most likely not been given as the ball had gone straight to a defender and the goal scoring opportunity was gone before Clapham had gone down. However, it didn't take long for City go gain a penalty.

Jarrett crossed the ball towards Broughton, the striker was held down by Devera and the Imps were awarded a penalty, the first spotkick the Imps have been awarded at Sincil Bank in any competition since Lee Frecklington hit one against Accrington Stanley in December 2008. Ben Hutchinson stepped up and coolly slotted home, sending Cole the wrong way.

Jamie Clapham shot wide in one of the more promising starts for the Imps so far this season. Carayol tested Cole from distance before Anyon was called into rare action as he claimed a Marshall cross under pressure from Kabba. Barnet did almost equalise out of nothing just before half time as Parkes tried to lob Anyon, only for the keeper to brilliantly tip over the bar. That was the final action of the first half.

City started the second half well with Clark Keltie almost scoring on a half volley from 30 yards, seeing it curl the wrong side of the post. However, that was as good as it generally got as Barnet were set on finding a way back into the game.

Anyon saved well from a Kabba header before saving from a low Walsh shot. Keltie was booked for a very hard challenge on Byrne before Kabba was denied by Anyon at close range. Kerr and Facey came on for Keltie and Broughton just after the hour mark.

Marshall was again frustrated by Anyon before Watts headed a cross of of the head of of Devera. A rare City attack saw a Jarrett have a shot blocked. Holmes replaced Poole in the 72nd minute before Walsh hit the side netting from close range. Anyon was again forced to make a good save as he tipped a 20 yard shot over the bar.

Poole booted a 25 yard free kick into the crowd. Byrne was booked late on but the visitors couldn't find an equaliser and the Imps won their first home game of the season.