Match report

Lincoln City 1 Swansea 0 - Julian Evans

Anyway, we didn't win but we deserved applause for the manner in which we played - with determination, 'never say die attitude' and with passion. As Clive Hughes wrote 'Tonight we can all be proud to be Swans'.

The entrance fee of £5, was most welcome - and in the end worth every penny. Well, enough of the pre-match now to the post match analysis.

The Swans started with a 4-4-2 formation ,which at times lost its shape, but the defence remained solid and the midfield worked overtime - pleasing to see at last. The first real chance fell to Richards who received a well timed pass from Thomas but shot straight at their keeper. Other chances came in the opening 10 mins for the Swans but as is when you are down, lady luck was not with us.

Lincoln, a mid table side - didn't look anything special - neither of course did we - it was our work rate which please the eye though. The game ebbed and flowed from end to end with neither side really threatening, but then on 40mins O'leary cleared a header into space and Wood challenged the oncoming Lincoln player from behind, and was shown the red card. Unfortunate for us, but should Freestone have called to allow the flick back from O'leary? We must be more aware of our options when under pressure.

Halftime came and my wife and I sat down for a warm cupper - really happy with the scoreline. Phillips replace Thomas (who suffered a knock before halftime) We looked forward to the 2nd half playing the remainder of the game with 10 men. How did we do? Really well - defence was resolute, Richards in particular covered miles of ground and Tate and O'leary were inspiring. We did have a couple of scares at the back, but lady luck appeared to be with us.

Then when it seemed we had done all the hard work - 'bad luck' struck. A shot from a Lincoln player hit the inside of the post and bounced onto O'leary and into the net right on full-time. Flynn with 3 mins of stoppage time remaining threw on Watkin and Evans - with only 1 touch - Watkin was booked for a reckless challenge. With a minute or so remaining, Richards had a great opportunity in the 6 yard box to turn and volley home - unfortunatley his timing was out and missed the kick.

That proved the last chance for us. The ref blew and Lincoln celebrated a 'great escape'. The 200 or so Swans fans applauded the players and they did likewise. Today we all felt proud to be associated with this team - We came away for our journey home to Peterborough with optimism - yes belief that we can fight all the way to the end.

Player ratings:

• Freestone - 7 - usual reliable self - he may have called for O'leary to flick back header - to save the Wood tackle.
• Jones - 7 - solid play - deserved credit for some good positioning and tackles.
• O'Leary - 7 - worked well with Tate - unlucky to concede own goal.
• Tate - 7 - his reading of the game is good at this level - he will improve with time.
• Howard - 7 - same as O'Leary.
• Jenkins - 7 same as Jones.
• Lacey - 6 - not enough commitment but played his part.
• Britton - 6 - too light weight at this level - he reminds me of Roberts.
• Wood - 6 - terrible first touch - work rate could not be faulted though.
• Richards - 8 - my man of the match for his 2nd half performance. Held up the ball well as he was the lone striker.
• Thomas - 7 - similar to Wood today - off par at the moment maybe due to where he is playing.
• Watkin - not on long enough - but booked for his appearance.
• Evans - not on long enough - looked ok.
• Phillips -7- work rate could not be faulted.

Summary
With a little bit of luck and good wisdom we will win a match and maybe put a run together. We must all have belief - belief in our players to turn the tide. I for one came away today thinking we have a chance. True aggression (which was apparent today) will not win matches but it helps. Today we can be PROUD TO BE A SWAN.

Lincoln City 1 Swansea 0 - Clive Hughes

Ok now back to the normal format. Enforced changes saw Lacey & Jenkins in for Reid and Mumford and Stuart Jones replacing Evans. A £5 admission saw a crowd of 4553 including a surprising 150 Swans fans.

Before lining up the team did a bonding huddle and did look determined from the off, and chased and closed Lincoln down at every opportunity. In fact the first chance fell to us as a long ball over the top saw Richards chase and shoot from the edge of the area, but saved at the second attempt by Marriott. Lincoln were playing pressure football and got the long ball forward at every attack. From one attack the ball fell inside the six yard box and as everyone froze Rog fell on the ball to be clattered by forwards and defenders alike, the ball being cleared and Rog needing treatment. Lincoln continued the route one football, which for most of the time was repelled by a stout defence. Anything that did get to Rog were from long range and never threatened danger. Richards had a clear chance to put us ahead as Thomas battled into the area passed to the unmarked Richards who side footed the ball straight at Marriott. Most of the action was played between the areas with neither goalkeeper being tested. As we neared half time a Swans attack was broken up with Thomas injured on the ground. Lincoln tried a counter attack only for Wood to clumsily challenge a Lincoln player far out on the half way line as he was in full flight. The usual 'handbags' took place as 2 to 3 Lincoln players got there first. The result was a straight red with no bookings for the action of the Lincoln players. With Thomas still down receiving treatment the referee blew for the free kick to be taken before it was pointed out to him. The game had not been the slightest bit dirty, so the referee's action seemed over the top when a yellow would have been justified.

Half time saw us happy at it being 0-0 but more than happy with the performance by the team.

Phillips replaced Thomas for the start of the second half. Due to the injury or tactics we don't know. The team continued to battle for every ball and kept Lincoln away from goal. There was a big scare on the hour when a volley from the edge of the box had Rog beaten but the post came to the rescue. The 10 men defended like lions not swans throwing everything into preserving the score line. The pressure mounted, as we had no outlet, a further miss of the heartbeat saw a stretched shot go passed Rog only to clear the post. Evans replaced Lacey who received warm applause from the fans. Full time was nearing, as the luck that hits teams at the bottom duly arrived. A full-blooded volley rebounded off the post only to rebound again off O'Leary into the net. Very very cruel. At this point Flynn replaced Jenkins with Watkin. A strange decision as it had been Williams who had been warming up and who we believe should have replaced Richards with 20mins to go to increase our options . The 3 minutes of added time ticked away with the Swans upping the tempo only to understandably see the opposite from Lincoln. The final whistle saw the team receive well-deserved applause from the travelling fans and the fans likewise from the players.

Comments

As with the Bristol Rovers game no individual scores as each player played with a ferocity that has been missing of late. Today they put their bodies on the line and deserved at least a draw. With lady luck on our side for the chances in the first half, we could have taken all 3 points. All the negative aspects of our report after the Bristol Rovers game cannot be used today. Players doubled up, they played as a team, support play was there. It was a joy to watch. The football was not pretty, but the commitment shown put some pride back. We have come away with another 1-0 defeat which does not help the league position, but the feelings we have are as far away as you can get from Boxing Day. Today we are proud of our team, the players must take heart from what was a 'one for all and all for one' battling display. It might not save us in the long run, but that flame is burning a lot brighter tonight.

As we have said no individual scores but we cannot end this report without mentioning two players. Howard and O'Leary have been the target of criticism over the last few games. They both played their part in a magnificent rear guard action, with Howard also attacking well down the left putting across many telling crosses.

They both deserve a bit of slack, they showed they are committed to the cause

Nearly forgot. Met yet another Exile today, Huw Bowen from Rugby who celebrated his birthday never seeing the Swans lose on his special day. Sorry forgot to wish you Happy Birthday. Finally one for the statisticians from Huw. Are we the first club in history to lose 3 league games in Lincolnshire? Scunthorpe, Boston and now Lincoln.

We must end again with thanks to the team, yes it was another defeat but there is a lot more pride tonight in Coventry when we say we support Swansea City. To the fans that have posted over the last 48hrs that they are walking away from the Vetch, please take our word, think again, after this performance the team deserves another chance.

We left the Vetch on Thursday to the musical sounds of 'All or Nothing' today was all definitely not nothing

Lincoln City 1 Swansea 0 - BBC Online

A fluke goal one minute from time gave Lincoln a 1-0 home win over 10-man Swansea and their second success in three days.

The Imps looked to be heading for a goalless draw against the bottom club.

Then substitute Paul Smith blasted a shot that cannoned off the post but struck defender Kristian O'Leary on the knee and flew into the net.

Swansea had earlier created plenty of chances but could not finish them.

Striker Marc Richards was twice put through in the opening three minutes, only to be defied each time by Lincoln goalkeeper Alan Marriott.

James Thomas wasted another two good chances but Swansea found themselves up against it after striker Jamie Wood had been sent off for a 42nd-minute challenge on Lincoln winger Chris Cornelly.

Lincoln tried to make their extra man count but substitute Simon Yeo was twice unlucky when he put first- time efforts wide and then hit the post with Roger Freestone beaten.

Swansea had a chance to equalise in stoppage time but Richards missed his kick from a great position.

Lincoln City: Marriott, Bailey, Weaver, Morgan, Bimson, Butcher, Sedgemore, Gain, Watts, Dykes, Cornelly. Subs: Horrigan, Mayo, Smith, Yeo, Camm.

Swansea: Freestone, Jones, O'Leary, Tate, Howard, Jenkins, Lacey, Britton, Wood, Richards, Thomas. Subs: Watkin, Evans, Phillips, Williams, Stiens.

Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire).