Imps still in relegation battle after Bury defeat

Lincoln City's involvement in the relegation battle continued after a 1-0 defeat at Bury. The hosts enjoyed the majority of the possession without creating a lot of chances, that before Lees headed home unmarked from a corner to give the Shakers a win they deserved on their path to promotion.

City kicked off the game but it was the hosts who started well with Ajose having an effort on goal blocked, before Futcher and Hutchinson clashed and were both spoken to by referee Kettle. The Imps' first chance came with an effort from McCallum was saved by Belford. Ajose hit at effort wide for the hosts before a lengthy stoppage for an injury to Lowe. Schumacher hit a free kick straight at the wall before wasting a few corners.

A rather quiet first half, the had seen Bury have the majority of the possession, was coming to an end when Hughton went on a run from box to box before playing in Kilbey, the Portsmouth loan's shot was sailing in before it was palmed out by Belford. That pretty much ended the half.

Bury started the second half well but again weren't creating many chances, however, Bury had always been good from set-pieces and this again proved to be the case as a corner was played into the box just before the hour mark and Tom Lees headed into the net after being left unmarked six yards out. Hutchinson was booked soon afterwards for a foul on Skarz.

Howell hit the post from a McCallum cross for the Imps before Jones was replaced by Haworth for the hosts. Skarz hit a close range free kick straight over before Carayol replaced O'Keefe for City. The Gambian quickly won a free kick but it was blasted well over by McCallum.

Ex-Imp John-Lewis came on with 12 minutes to go before Drewe Broughton and Scott Spencer replaced the ineffective Hutchinson and Kilbey. It was a rare example of Tilson using all three subs when no-one had been injured. It wasn't long before the two subs created a chance as Broughton placed in Spencer, although the latter seemed reluctant to shoot before being easily dispossed.

Neither side could find another goal as the Imps suffered a sixth defeat in seven games and moved to eight without a win.