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Lincoln City 0 Stockport County 1

17/ 3/2008

JIM Gannon’s record-breakers reached another significant milestone with an excellent win at Lincoln City..

The Hatters equalled a long-standing Football League record of eight consecutive away wins in a single season, thanks to a clinical strike from substitute David Poole midway through the second half.

County made most of the early running at Sincil Bank and might have been in front in the opening five minutes, but Liam Dickinson was denied by an excellent save from Imps keeper Andy Marriott, who deflected the shot behind for a corner.

Anthony Pilkington did find the back of the net three minutes later, but his effort was ruled offside.

County were growing in confidence, as Marriott was called into action to keep out Michael Rose’s powerful free-kick, and Dickinson sprang the Imps’ offside trap, but couldn’t finish.

Dickinson proved a handful all afternoon, and had a good shout for a penalty turned down right on the stroke of half-time.

At the other end, County keeper John Ruddy was a virtual spectator, as the City strikers failed to manage a shot on target.

Despite the string of chances in the first half, County went in goalless at the break, but their patience paid off on 68 minutes.

Gannon then brought on David Poole and Adam Proudlock, who combined to produce the only goal of the game.

Proudlock’s corner was fumbled by Marriott, Gaz Owen’s follow-up shot was blocked by Mark Stallard, but the rebound dropped to Poole and he swept it home from 12 yards.

County deservedly had the lead, but there was just time for John Ruddy to perform heroics in the dying seconds, as he made a incredible save to deny Jamie Forrester an equaliser.

To concede at the death would have been harsh on the Hatters, who secured another clean sheet.