Posh made changes at half time to try something different, but it made no difference. We were on it, pressing them into mistakes, solid enough to ensure very little got through. We were much the same, looking for long diagonals at times, trying to get down the sides at others, but there wasn’t a need for urgency. I felt we just kept doing what we’ve been doing all season, and I know I keep saying that, but it’s true. Our patterns and approach was much the same as the Stevenage game where we drew 0-0, it really was, but because we put five past Posh, people will say ‘Why can’t we play like that every week’. We do, but some weeks, Jeffries’ deflected shot goes out for a corner or drops in the keeper’s arms. Bayliss’s free kick clips the bar, and theirs goes in. Those fine margins turn games, and then once it’s 2-0 to you, and not 1-0 to them, it’s easier to spot a pass or make a run, because the pressure in the stadium has lifted.
I did chuckle at one point as we began to sing ‘Peterborough get battered, everywhere they go’ only for some of their fans to join in. Respect to them, by the way, as they all joined in the applause for Brian Baldham. I was chatting with someone at the club the other week about away fans and how Stevenage actually booed our Fighting Fit cancer patients on their way around the pitch last season. We all love giving stick to away fans, but some are just like me and you, but wearing different coloured tops. I think Posh fans are like that, and I know it’s probably not fashionable to say, but I respect them for that.
They did do their best to put off Freddie Draper as he put the game to bed ten minutes after the break. One of our long crossfield balls saw Jeffries nip in and rob Cian Hayes, who then brought the former Gillingham man down, from behind, in the area. No card, rightly so, given the whole double jeopardy rule, but a stonewall penalty. Freddie wanted it, and I said that there was going to be a powerful blast coming up – none of this side footing the ball rubbish from Freddie. He’s about raw power, and as the ball beat their keeper at 100 miles an hour, the game was over and done with at 3-0.
Hang on, 3-0? Not the same scoreline from 2021? What? We also scored a penalty in that game? We also went 3-0 up around the same time in that game (53 minutes). Was this history repeating itself? Could we throw away a three-goal lead? Surely not agai…..
Oh, Tendayi! An under-hit pass gifts them a chance, and Zach Jeacock, having a solid game, is beaten from close range by Ricky-Jade Jones deft touch on 60 minutes. It’s a great finish, but suddenly it’s 3-1, and a side who hadn’t looked like scoring were back in it with belief. They could have had a penalty as well – right in front of me (as I shifted seats for the second half) we appeared to pull one of theirs over in the area. In my blind panic, I forget who it was, but it was our defensive left, so likely either Roughan or Jeffries. Would Posh be getting back into the game?
For those with a good memory, Ethan Hamilton came on for them on 60 minutes in 2021, with the game 3-0, and instantly changed things. In 2021, they scored on 65 minutes to make it 3-0, and in 2025, it was the 65th-minute mark Hamilton came on, and at the 65th-minute mark, he scored fourth to banish those demons. I know it’s an unusual pattern, but I do love unusual patterns.
The killer goal (well, the goal that put the 3-3 draw to bed) came from another we never do anything from long Sean Roughan throw. It’s headed around for a second before dropping to Hamilton, who slices a shot off Edun, into Hayes and past the keeper. It’s a definite an own goal, sadly, but for the purpose of karma, fate or whatever you want to call it, I’m awarding it to Hamilton right here.
Ethan Hamilton wasn’t the only player to come on with 25 minutes to play. We also saw James Collins, who got a huge cheer when he replaced Freddie. Collins instantly looked like the real deal, and, dare I say, reminded me a little of Jamie Forrester. I don’t mean in size or the type of player he is, but rather in the fact he’s older and didn’t look it. His movement was exquisite, you could see he was saving himself five yards of running with a simple step away from a defender, or a shuffle a foot to the right or left. He seems to anticipate things and makes up for whatever pace those legs have lost with intelligent forward play.
It worked much better once the tired legs of Ben House were swapped with Jovon’s freshness. He had an impressive cameo, and created the fifth and final goal. We broke well, all self-made by our young striker, but I thought he was carrying it too far. Collins peeled off to the right, Tendayi gave an option to the left and I thought Jovon was gonna go for it himself. Instead, he timed a weighted pass to perfection, right into the run of Collins. A player of his quality needed no invitation, and the sort of chance we’ve seen go begging, week after week, was only going one place. He lifted a delicious lob over the hapless Nicholas Bilokapic to wrap up the game. 1997? Finally avenged.
There was still a postscript to proceedings. Hector Kyprianou had a header at goal late in the game, only the visitors second chance on target, but Jeacock excellently saved his strong header. I have to say, the former Birmingham stopper has been superb (Bolton aside) since coming into the team and, dare I say, it’s the first time in many years that a reserve keeper has come in and I haven’t felt worried.
Even Jordan Wright I felt wasn’t quite as good as the stoppers he was replacing, but I never once felt Jeacock was the second choice to injured George Wickens. I was fearful when our number one got injured, but things have worked out well so far for Zach.
That was that. I was out of the ground before the fist pumps, but I’ve no issue with them after such a resounding victory. Listening to Michael on the way home gave me a sense of calm as well – he’s sounded under pressure in recent weeks and I think some of that has been unfair. The awful run (now put to bed) was a mixture of bad performances and situations, but results are what most fans see and they weren’t happening.
However, a five-star performance against Peterborough, the first time we’ve ever out five past them, certainly buys time. I may have been controversial, but on the way to the game I actually said I’d rather beat Peterborough and lose to Blackpool than draw with Peterborough and beat Blackpool. I know we’d have one point fewer, but there’s something uplifting about smashing your rivals (local or not). it galvanises fans, just like a hometown hero coming back at the end of his career, or a proven striker with obvious talent pitching up for 18 months.
It’s been a good ten days or so for Lincoln City. A corner may just have been turned, and unlike our beleaguered opponents, we’re looking up the table, not down, for the remainder of the season.
Up the Imps