Golden Boy Lambert Denies Lincoln Victory

Lincoln City 1 - 1 Rochdale

Rochdale gained a point from their final game of the season against a Lincoln outfit that extended their campaign by reaching the play-offs. It was an exciting game at a packed Sincil Bank and Dale fans also had something to cheer as Rickie Lambert’s second half equaliser meant that he gained a share of League Two’s Golden Boot by equalling Carlisle forward Karl Hawley’s tally of twenty-two league goals.

The game also marked a special occasion for Gareth Griffiths as Dale’s centre half appeared in his final game before retirement. Fans of both sides acknowledged Griffiths’ services to the game and the Rochdale fans sang out his name throughout the afternoon.

Lincoln were fast out of the traps and their fans were determined to cheer them on to a fourth play-off spot in as many years. The home side enjoyed plenty of early possession in the Lincoln sunshine but Dale’s defence remained resolute until a twentieth minute opening; Francis Green creating some space before firing at goal, Gilks doing well to palm the ball away from a corner.

Dale began to come to terms with their hosts and weathered the early storm, creating some chances of their own in the process. Indeed the visitors played some of their best football in recent weeks with some flowing attacks down both channels but the final ball was always lacking and Marriott was seldom troubled in the Lincoln goal.

Lincoln regained control towards the end of the half and had numerous chances to take the lead. Jamie Forrester hit a delightful cross to the far post only for Robinson to somehow miss the ball with the goal at his mercy. The home side then spurned another golden opportunity after a Jon Boardman error left Francis Green free inside the Dale box with only Gilks to beat, but the striker hit a tame effort that the Rochdale keeper saved comfortably.

The second half began with both sides playing some decent football but failing to make anything of it. Dale slowly began to get the other upper hand with Cooksey and Jones both having shots blocked before Chris Dagnall failed to hit the target after creating himself some space in the Lincoln box. Lambert then created Dale’s best opening as his quick feet from close range left him with space to shoot and although Marriott did well to save, Lambert should have done better.

Having been somewhat let off the hook the home side looked to give the crowd something to cheer at the other end but they found themselves up against a Dale goalkeeper in top form; Gilks kept out Brown and spectacularly pushed a Forrester long range effort over the bar.

However, there was nothing Gilks could do when Lincoln scored the opener and it arrived with a large slice of fortunate for the Imps. Lee Beevers over-hit a cross from the right side and it sailed towards the top corner of the goal and Gilks had to be on hand to tip it over the bar. Inevitably, Lincoln scored from the resulting corner, McAuley lost his marker and headed home.

Lincoln were heading towards a perhaps undeserved victory but not for the first time this season, Rickie Lambert was to have a say in the proceedings as Dale won a free-kick by the left touchline. Lambert whipped the ball across and it evaded everyone before nestling in the far corner to make it twenty-two league goals for Lambert this term.

The final whistle came shortly after and it marked scenes of celebration for the home fans who raced on to the pitch as the point secured their place in the play-offs. The Dale fans showed their appreciation as some of the home supporters gathered in front of them, whilst the players came over to thank the Rochdale following for its support throughout the season; Gareth Griffiths was at the fore and he was roundly cheered before departing a professional football field for the last time.