Former Imps Bags Brace as Lincolnshire Non-League Sides Enioy Mixed Evening

A mixed evening for our non-league sides saw wins, draws and a heavy defeat, with Imps and former Imps involved across several fixtures.

Gainsborough Trinity began a demanding run of three consecutive away games with an impressive victory on the road at Ashton, extending what has already been a strong recent run. Lincoln City loanee Charlie Parks was named on the bench, but it was a familiar face who made the early impact.

Trinity started brightly and took the lead inside five minutes through former Imp Jonny Margetts, setting the tone for the evening. Gainsborough remained on the front foot throughout the first half and doubled their advantage shortly before the break, Aston Offler heading home from close range in the 41st minute to give the visitors a deserved 2-0 lead at half time.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Trinity continuing to control proceedings. Margetts added his second and Gainsborough’s third in the 65th minute, effectively ending the contest. Although Ashton attempted a minor response, Trinity were never seriously threatened, and the win moves them firmly into play off contention if they can sustain this level of performance.

Lincoln United were also on their travels, making the trip to Garforth Town with Lincoln City loanee Charlie Carlisle included in the side. It was a difficult first half for the Whites, who found themselves under sustained pressure and fell behind in the sixth minute. Garforth had opportunities to extend their lead, and United were relieved to reach the interval just 1-0 down.

Credit Graham Burrell

The second half saw a marked improvement in United’s determination and work rate, with changes made as the game wore on, including former Imp Alan Power being withdrawn in the 80th minute. The turning point came shortly afterwards when the Garforth goalkeeper was forced off injured after a lengthy stoppage, leaving an outfield player to take his place. United pushed forward late on and, deep into stoppage time, a goalmouth scramble ended with Bradley poking the ball home to earn a hard-fought point.

Harrowby United endured a difficult night at home against Clay Cross Town. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, things unravelled in the second period as they conceded five further goals, four of them in the final 18 minutes, to slip to a 6-0 defeat that leaves them anchored near the bottom of the table.

Elsewhere, Boston United confirmed some positive off-field news, successfully extending the loan of Ken Aboh from Norwich City until the end of the season.