Lincoln City 1, Guiseley 0

LINCOLN blunted the Lions' teeth at Sincil Bank as the Imps put an end to Guiseley's unbeaten start to 2016 in the last game of January.

Mark Bower's men had eased fears of tumbling into the Vanarama National League relegation zone with a 1-1 draw at Grimsby Town and a win at basement outfit Kidderminster Harriers, as well as progressing to the last 16 in the FA Trophy in the first month of the year.

They created enough chances to keep their run without a defeat going but failing to grasp those opportunities cost them dear. It was also a reversal of fortunes for the Imps as they put an end to their 11-game winless run.

Bower said: "I think it was a game that completely summed up our season – and we conceded from a set-piece.

"They (Lincoln) shaded the first half and finished it as the stronger side but I thought we played well in the second half, taking the game to them and creating the better chances.

"We had one cleared off the line, a disallowed goal and balls bobbling around in their box. We certainly had enough chances to score and I think we deserved at least a point from it.

"Look at some of the decisions though – the disallowed goal and Boyesy (Adam Boyes) clean through and being shoved in the back.

"I would certainly like to look at those two again. Boysey was clearly shoved, so it's a foul and a red card – it changes the game."

Boyes had Guiseley's first chance but shot wide under pressure, before being leaned on and forced to the ground in the tenth minute.

With the defender being the last man, it appeared to be denying a goal-scoring opportunity but the referee waved play on.

James Hurst hit a shot wide on the turn but Lions keeper Steve Drench was soon in action, palming a shot from debutant James Caton round his post.

Minutes later, Drench failed to gather Greg Tempest's deep corner and Chris Bush was there to head in his first goal of the season.

Bush went close again soon after, before Drench saved a Jamie McCombe header and safely gathered a Bush free-kick as the half-time break loomed.

Imps keeper Paul Farman needed to be alert in the second half and made a smart save to keep out a Boyes half-volley from a Hurst cross.

Hurst was also a constant threat but Lincoln still came close to doubling their advantage when Drench was relieved as Caton's fierce drive cannoned against the crossbar.

Nicky Boshell, on as a substitute for Anthony Dudley, took a quick free-kick in the 81st minute, while Boyes found the back of Farman's net but the offside flag came to the Imps keeper's rescue.

In the closing minutes, a Rob Atkinson effort was superbly headed off the line as Lincoln held on for their victory.