Lincoln City continued their indifferent form but stay top of Sky Bet League Two after a 1-1 draw at home to NorthamptonTown.
Danny Cowley’s men came into the game as firm favourites against 16th place Northampton Town who had won just one game in the last four.
Meanwhile The Imps were looking to get back on track after last week’s disappointing 1-1 draw away to Notts County.
Neither side created many chances in the opening quarter of an hour, however Northampton striker Jack Bridge did manage to find his way into the box, but unfortunately for the visitors saw his effort deflected out for a corner.
Lincoln struggled for major chances but a dangerous cross into the box by Danny Rowe did leave visiting Goalkeeper David Cornwell in uncertain territory.
But just before the half hour mark, The Imps took the lead after a fine flick on by John Akinde found its way into the path of Bruno Andrade who struck home to spark wild celebrations in the stands.
But just as Danny Cowley’s men thought everything was going their way, disaster struck. Firstly an injury to fans favourite Lee Frecklington which was shortly followed by winger Harry Anderson receiving a red card for a dangerous tackle on David Buchanan.
The Cobblers took advantage of the extra man when Aaron Pierre stuck his boot on the end of a low cross to level things in first half injury time.
Lincoln came out instantly rejuvenated and nearly took the lead seconds after the restart, when John Akinde used his strength to force his way past two players down the left hand side, before unleashing a stinging shot that fizzed just wide.
Northampton then came close shortly after when Jordan Turnball tried an audacious strike from 30 yards which landed on the roof of the net.
Shortly after Lincoln had a long range effort of their own when Tom Pett fired a rasping shot which was well saved and held by Cornell.
The Imps piled on the pressure going into the final 10 minutes and nearly regained the lead through Andrade when he got on the end of a Harry Toffolo throw in but saw his effort blocked out for a corner.
Lincoln then had a blatant penalty shout for handball waved away in stoppage time, much to the protests of the home faithful . But the appeals came to no avail and the visitors held on for a point.
Defender Micheal O’Connor said after the game: “It was two points dropped but I thought we should have had a penalty at the end.”
Manager Danny Cowley echoed his players thoughts about team spirit: “I’ve got pride in the way we battled. You wouldn’t know we had 10 men. We responded well to going a man down and this is a tough league, anyone can beat anyone. We have to keep concentrating. Football is like a marathon and the hardest part is always the end but I’m enjoying it.”
Attendance – 9352 (482 Away fans)
Report by: Dan Sharpe