Lincoln City 3 Northampton Town 2

Last updated : 06 November 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Marcus Richardson's late effort ensured a fantastic comeback for Lincoln who hit back from two-down to defeat Northampton 3-2 at Sincil Bank.

The big striker, still fighting his way back to fitness from injury, got behind the Cobblers' defence to score from close range just as the time looked to have run out for City.

The goal completed an unlikely turn of events by Lincoln, who were comprehensively outplayed in the first half and went in two goals down at the break.

Northampton took the lead after just six minutes when a ball forward from Tommy Jaszczun skidded off the shins of Gareth McAuley and striker Eric Sabin seized on the opportunity, racing clear to score an easy goal.

Northampton were unlucky in the 29th minute when Lincoln keeper Alan Marriott dropped a cross on the edge of his six-yard box. Then Scott McGleish fired his shot towards the net but Matthew Bloomer was on hand to block on the line.

The Cobblers doubled their league in the 38th minute when Josh Low put Pedj Bojic away down the flank and the defender's cross was knocked home by McGleish.

Lincoln looked lively after the break with Gary Taylor-Fletcher going close with a first time effort.

City grabbed a goal back in the 54th minute when Northampton keeper Lee Harper could only punch out a cross, but the ball came back to Simon Leo whose low shot flew into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later Jamie McCombe headed down for Yeo to knock home the second of the game.

Northampton had two great chances to go back in front.

Luke Chambers set up McGleish but the striker's shot was well saved by Marriott nine minutes from time before substitute Julian Alsop ran clear of Lincoln's defence but he lacked the pace to go on and finish before he could get a shot in and McAuley got back to make a timely interception.

It was to prove costly as Richardson secured the Imps all three points in the latter stages of the game.