Cool finish on a warm day sets City on their way.

Speaking in a trailer for BBC Radio Lincolnshire for the forthcoming season, Michael Hortin ventured the opinion that City fans would see a more competitive side this term, certainly more so than had been the case for the last few seasons. I was sceptical but having watched the season opener I’m inclined to the view that he just might be right. City dominated the first half but saw just a Jamie Taylor finish as reward for their efforts.


The second half took a more predictable tone with the Imps retreating back ever further inviting their opponents to attack them and when the sanctuary of the corner flag was sought with six minutes remaining, that’s twelve minutes from the end of the game with injury time, not that the players were to know that, the crowd were sensing that maybe this was taking caution a little too far.

Nevertheless, City held on to record a rare first win of the season and a home win at that, traditionally our Achilles heel even back to Keith’s time. This habit of trying to sit on a one goal advantage had the home fans biting their nails and after a first half of relative superiority the home support were expecting more and fans were trying to encourage their side to get further forward and defend up the pitch.

This lack of ambition late on is going to come back and haunt City, who badly need to get more fans through the turnstiles at the 12th Imp Sincil Bank Stadium, if they’re not careful. There were several good opportunities to double the score including a free kick in a good position just outside the box which was scooted into the corner to general groans.

Still, mustn’t grumble about a rare winning start, the new players impressed, Jamie Taylor produced an all action display topped off with a good goal, lobbing the keeper when the ball dropped to his feet from Dan Gray and he was awarded a well deserved man of the match accolade. The players looked fit and sharp even in sapping warmth and overcame a mini injury crisis to get the season off to the perfect start.