Lincoln hold on

Another view of tonight's game from the Lincolnshire Echo:

Mark Stallard's first-half double ensured a first win of the season for Lincoln, who held on in the latter stages to secure a 2-1 win at newly-promoted Hereford.

The visitors dominated the first half and could have scored more, but Graham Turner's side hit back after the interval and almost rescued a point after Robert Purdie pulled one back from the penalty spot.

Hereford pair Philip Gulliver and Andrew Williams both tested visiting goalkeeper Alan Marriott from long range inside the first 10 minutes, but veteran striker Stallard fired Lincoln into an 11th-minute lead, blasting home left-footed from 20 yards high into the centre of goal.

Stallard fired over from similar distance soon after and forced Hereford goalkeeper Scott Tynan to save from his header before doubling Lincoln's advantage when he powered home Jamie Forrester's cross in the 29th minute.

Tim Sills and Tamika Mkandawire forced saves from Marriott from headers for Hereford in response, but Jeff Hughes headed Ryan Amoo's cross against the post before the break as Lincoln threatened to run riot.

Hereford came out with much more purpose after the break with Sills, twice, and Williams both going close, while Marriott held Stuart Fleetwood's 20-yard shot shortly after the hour-mark.

The Bulls were handed a lifeline when Lincoln's Lee Beevers was adjudged to have fouled Sills in the area, with Purdie converting, and both Fleetwood and Purdie again went close soon after, but despite constant pressure from the home side - Richard Rose forced Marriott into another save - the visitors held on.

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