Luton Town 2, Lincoln City 2
City stretched their unbeaten run in the league to nine games in an end-to-end game against a resilient Luton Town.
Freddie Draper and Rob Street struck in the first half for the Imps, but Luton fought back in front of their fans at Kenilworth Road through Gideon Kodua and Nakhi Wells. At the final whistle a hard-fought draw was a fair result.
Head coach Michael Skubala made one change to the starting XI, with Jack Moylan coming back into the side – he was instrumental in the first goal on 11 minutes. He collected a pass from Adam Reach then created space for himself out on the left wing, cutting inside before delivering a right-foot delivery to the far post.
Reeco Hackett and Draper were both coming in at the far post, with the ball landing perfectly for the latter to head home - the 24th time this season City have got the opening goal in a game.
Street doubled City's advantage, a set-piece with a free-kick won by Draper, fouled by Kai Naismith. Hackett's deep delivery was met by Hamer who leapt highest to head the ball back into the six-yard box, where Street got ahead of his man to turn the ball home from close range.
The home side is seventh in League One and 10 points behind second-placed City. It was not going to roll over and a set piece resulted in Kodua heading home with Andersen the effective blocker for Luton as he manhandled several Imps players out the way to create space.
Luton levelled just before the break as Naismith found Nakhi Wells with space in the middle of the park. He turned quickly and, before any Imps players had time to close him down, drove a powerful shot which found the far left of the goal past the outstretched arm of Wickens.
Skubala praised the determination his side showed: "This was a game that had everything. We started the game fast and, having gone 2-0 up, felt if we could have just held on to half-time we could have made some tweaks and been in a really strong position.
"The work ethic of the lads was huge, we never set out for a draw but when the dust settles it’ll feel like a good point."
City have now taken four points off the Hatters, who were relegated from the Championship in the summer and are still receiving Premier League parachute payments.
Skubala added: "They’re a big play-off chasing team and I’m pleased we’ve been able to take four points off them this season.
"It was very physical - more than I thought they’d be - and became direct. We’ve got to grow with that as teams fear us and will change how they play against us. If teams change at home against you that’s a lot of respect being shown to us."
Attendance: 11,238 (1,354 away)
Pictures: Vaughan Photography
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