Donaster v Lincoln

This week saw Lincoln 1 travel to Town Fields to play against an eager Doncaster side wanting to banish the memories of their previous game against Airdale in style.

The game started well for Doncaster playing the ball around well and pressing the Lincoln defence well. But following a break by former Doncaster player Alex Procter Lincoln started to press well eventually rounding the Doncaster defence and slotting home after 16 minutes to take the lead. Lincoln continued to put pressure on the Doncaster defence and it only took them three minutes to double their lead. But Doncaster didn't lay down and started to take control of the remaining first half minutes and were rewarded when Iain McBride entered the D rounded a defender before slipping the ball to the in form visiting Dan McBride who fired home with power and accuracy to put Doncaster back in the game going into the break 2-1 down.

Lincoln were the stronger of the two teams going into the second half. Immediately taking charge of the game and pressing from the first minute. After only 3 minutes if the restart Lincoln added to ther lead making the most of some lacklustre Doncaster defending. Lincoln were now well on top and were searching to put the game out of Doncaster's reach. It only took another 4 minutes to add their fourth of the match.

But Doncaster didn't lay down and after a little chat were able to regroup and start playing the hockey they knew they could. Ten minutes into the half Doncaster were awarded a penalty stroke which was coolly dispatched by Anthony Fearn giving Doncaster the hope they needed. Doncaster continued to press testing the Lincoln defence and goalkeeper well not taking advantage of a few chances before Anthony Fearn showed a great bit of skill taking the ball past 2 Lincoln defenders before firing the ball home.

But straight from the restart Lincoln again extended their lead catching Doncaster snoozing after their recent goal. This lifted Doncaster once again who were now 5-3 behind with 15 minutes remaining.

But with Doncaster revitalised and playing some lovely hockey Lincoln's 2 goal lead only lasted 2 minutes. James Meek showing the skill he possesses by going past 3 Lincoln players getting the ball taking the ball to the top of the D and firing home. Four minutes later saw Doncaster level the scores for the first time since Lincoln took the lead in the 16th minute. This time the experienced Spike Bradley slotting home giving Doncaster the belief that they were able to win.

The first final whistle went when umpire John Bostock blew for time not realising there was actually 8 minutes on the clock remaining. After a few hand shakes and 3 cheers both teams were asked to return and resume the game. This suited Doncaster as they were pressing well took the lead for the first time in the game with 7 minutes of time to play. Brad Fearn scoring well. With one minute left on the clock the experienced Spike Bradley but the game out of Lincolns reach to but Doncaster up 7-5.

This was to be the final result with Doncaster fighting hard and being awarded for their efforts. Man of the Match this week was Anthony Fearn for a great display in the middle for Doncaster and the DOD award was given to captain Iain McBride for his dismissal in the 49th minute.

Next week sees Doncaster host Wakefield in the league season opener where they'll be looking to keep up winning ways and put 3 points on the board.