Forest Green 1-2 Lincoln: John Akinde scores twice as Danny Cowley's Imps maintain three-point lead

Saturday 2 March 2019 19:59, UK

John Akinde's double cemented Lincoln City's grip at the top of Sky Bet League Two as the Imps defeated Forest Green 2-1 at The New Lawn.

A helter-skelter opening period culminated in play-off chasing Forest Green drawing first blood in the seventh minute, with Reece Brown's free-kick taking a wicked deflection off the Lincoln wall and completely wrongfooting Matt Gilks.

But just six minutes later the home side surrendered the early initiative as Akinde planted a firm header over James Montgomery after meeting Neal Eardley's cross.

Rovers were then reliant on Montgomery for sending them into the break on level terms, first tipping over a Matt Rhead header before palming away a fierce drive from the edge of the box from Harry Toffolo.

The visitors then had their own goalkeeper in Matt Gilks to thank as he managed to get his fingertips to a sumptuous strike from George Williams.

In the 75th minute, Lincoln had strong claims for a penalty turned away when Joseph Mills appeared to hinder Harry Anderson.

Just two minutes later referee Andy Davies did point to the spot when Bruno Andrade was clipped by Lee Collins, with Akinde making no mistake 12 yards.