Lincoln City secured yet another hard-fought victory on their way to the National League title and a return to the Football League, beating Chester 1-0 at Sincil Bank.
The Imps had to see out the final 15 minutes with just 10 men, after Alan Power was sent off.
Lincoln City Dig In For Promotion
In a game that had been moved due to the club’s incredible FA Cup run, Danny Cowley’s side had to dig deep to secure a crucial three points at home to a mid-table Chester outfit.
Following their exertions on all fronts, including that history-making FA Cup quarter final, City were running on empty and had to rely on grit to get over the line. Six of the seven wins secured in the final 10 matches of the campaign were by one goal.
Almost 7,500 were inside Sincil Bank on an Easter holiday Tuesday night to see Harry Anderson score the only goal of the game. City went into the match on top of the table, but with Tranmere Rovers breathing down their necks.
Rovers had demolished Solihull Moors 9-0 three days before this fixture, sending a message that they weren’t going away anytime soon. The problem for the side from the Wirrall was that Lincoln weren’t in the mood for letting up.
Anderson’s 35th-minute strike from a Sam Habergham cross was enough to beat Chester, who themselves were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time.
Power Signs Off On A High Despite Red Card
Despite his red card, credit must go to Alan Power for the role he played in City’s final push for promotion.
The midfielder had at times lost his place in the middle of the park as Bradley Wood was partnered with Alex Woodyard, but came in to play a vital role in the final weeks of the season.
Power had been with the Imps since the club’s first season in the National League and had become a fan favourite for his no-nonsense displays and loyalty during several tumultuous years at Sincil Bank.
The Irishman left the club after securing promotion, having made over 250 appearances and scoring 31 times, and went to join Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership and is currently turning out for Lincoln United.
Promotion was now just 11 days away after six long years in the National League.