Pre Christening Football - Lincoln United vs. Sutton Coldfield Town

Late autumn sun over Ashby Avenue

I was in Lincoln last weekend for a Christening at the cathedral and so I took the opportunity to visit the only senior club in Lincoln that I hadn't seen a game at (the other two being Lincoln City and Lincoln Moorlands Railway). The Whites play in the Evo-Stick Division One South and their opponents were Sutton Coldfield Town. Lincoln United were in mid table and the visitors were just inside the play offs.

Kick off at Ashby Avenue

Sutton dominate the early part of the game. The have the first real chance when they create a one on one chance but the home keeper makes the save. A few minutes later the striker has a chance from just outside the six yard but some how puts it wide. They do take the lead with a deflected effort from just outside the box. Lincoln equalise barely a minute later as they go up the other end following the restart and equalise. They then take the lead when the forward receives a great cross field pass and slots it home. The hosts get a third just before half time.

First half action

The second half is very open as Sutton push to get back in to the game and the home keeper makes a couple of brilliant saves. There is a flash point where the Sutton keeper lashes out at the Lincoln forward but the referee just gives both players a talking to. Sutton get there second goal with a close range header and as Sutton push for the equaliser they begin to leave gaps at the back. Both teams have chances but The Whites hold on for the win.

Sutton on the attack in the second half.

Ashby Avenue is quite a distance from Lincoln Station. The 66 bus from the bus station passes the entrance to the ground and the journey takes about ten minutes. The buses are quite frequent. We got a taxi to the ground and so we didn't check out a local before hand. After the game we went to The Treaty Of Commerce close to the railway station which has several ales and serves good food. The clubhouse is quite large and also has Sky Sports.

Seated accommodation at Ashby Avenue