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Three headed goals preserved Cables' UniBond Premier Division status; the goal that clinched survival coming late enough for rumours to abound of a sponsorship deal with Gillette next season.
The early stages of the match did not reflect the enormity of the occasion, although Cables nearly took the lead after only five minutes. Ryan Wade had a shot blocked and the ball fell to James Croxton who shot wide.
Both sides had shots way over the bar but the next real goalscoring opportunity fell to the visitors after 28 minutes when a nice interplay between Wade and Eamonn Price was broken down by good defending.
Shots continued to go over the bar and wide of the post at both ends and the visiting supporters were becoming increasingly restless as half time approached: a draw might not be enough to save the club from relegation.
Those nervous supporters let out a roar of relief and delight when Steve McEwen headed in a cross from the left after 41 minutes. Cables led 1-0 at half time: a result that would guarantee safety unless both North Ferriby United and Stamford won by unfeasibly large margins.
In the second half the home side came back into the game and the scores were level after 58 minutes when Tom Mallinson hit an excellent shot from outside the penalty area. The visiting supporters were further subdued after 66 minutes when a cross from the right found Chris Adams who gave Lincoln the lead with a close-range shot.
But four minutes later Cables were back in contention when Eddie Taylor crossed to substitute Tommy Taylor who headed into the net. A further four minutes later a cross from the right again found Tommy Taylor who headed his second and Cables' third.
Credit is due to the already relegated home side for putting up a good display and not doing Cables a favour by easing off the pressure. Cables can look forward to next season knowing that they earned their final-day win fair and square. Credit also the the Lincoln supporters whose friendliness before, during, and after the match helped to make this a very enjoyable day.
Man of the match: the debate in the car after the match concluded that it would be unfair to single out an individual player out of a good team performance. There was a suggestion that it should go to the whole team, but an alternative suggestion won the day. Victory was gained as a result of an inspired substitution by manager Andy Gray. Andy wins the man of the match award.
Teams:
| Cables | num. | Lincoln Utd |
|---|---|---|
| Hibbert | 1 | Walker |
| Cooney | 2 | Brough |
| Smith | 3 | Walters (c) |
| McEwen | 4 | Mallinson |
| Bell | 5 | Giles |
| Owens | 6 | Foyle |
| Wade | 7 | Shaw |
| Eddie Taylor (c) | 8 | Toyne |
| Kennedy | 9 | Hall |
| Price | 10 | Epps |
| Croxton | 11 | Adams |
| Byers (on for 10 after 65 mins) | 12 | Tyler (on for 7 after 75 mins) |
| Flood (on for 2 after 88 mins) | 14 | Hannigan (on for 10 after 83 mins) |
| Tommy Taylor (on for 11 after 65 mins) | 15 | Carchedi |