Nantwich Town exit FA Trophy after 2-1 defeat by Lincoln

Nantwich Town were dumped out of the FA Trophy as goals in either half from Elliot Whitehouse and Terry Hawkridge earned Lincoln victory.

The Dabbers reached the semi-finals of the competition last year, being knocked out over two legs by eventual winners, Halifax Town.

But they could not produce another shock last night as their higher league opponents came out on top in front of nearly 500 fans at Weaver Stadium.

Nantwich fell behind after just five minutes.

Good build-up play from Lincoln eventually found Elliot Whitehouse in the area.

The midfielder then produced a smart finish from close range to settle any early nerves for the visitors.

Lincoln went close to doubling that lead three minutes later when a powerful shot from former Dabber Matt Rhead rattled the crossbar of Dave Parton.

The visitors, who went into this fixture top of the National League after their 2-1 victory over Tranmere, continued to cause Nantwich problems.

Alan Power went close when he fired the ball over the top of the goalmouth.

Nantwich, who’s league fixture against Frickley was abandoned because of fog at the weekend, battled hard andd created their best first-half opportunity 30 minutes in.

A strong run from Joe Mwasile created a chance for Ryan Brooke who saw his effort cleared off the line.

The home side grew into the game as the half progressed, but it was Lincoln who went closest to adding to the goal tally.

A smart knock down from Rhead found goalscorer Whitehouse in the area and his follow-up effort produced a strong reflex save from Parton.

The visitors extended their advantage 18 minutes into the second half.

Some good work down the right from Adam Marriot presented Terry Hawkridge with the opportunity.

The wide man, after a well-timed first touch, made no mistake from close-range to extend the lead after 63 minutes.

Ryan Brooke was presented with the Dabbers best opportunity of the second period.

He latched on to a stray back pass before dragging his shot wide of Paul Farman’s left-hand post.

Osebi Abadaki thought he had brought his side back into the contest when he produced a great save from Farman with eight minutes to go.

The substitute, who replaced Mwasile, produced a fine curling effort from the edge of the area to bring out the best in the Lincoln keeper.

Joel Stair then met a well-worked corner with power, but Farman’s acrobatics preserved
his side’s two-goal lead.

Nantwich did find the net in injury time when a flighted cross from Dave Walker caused the keeper problems and he dropped the ball into his own net.

But it proved too late for the hosts, as Lincoln held on and progressed to the next round where they will face Gateshead.

The Dabbers are next be in action at Workington on Boxing Day.

Nantwich: Parton, White, Touray, C Jones, J Stair, Hall, Mwasile (Abadaki), Bell, Brooke (Walker), Finney (S Jones), Riley. Subs not used: Sanders, Quinn.

(pics courtesy of Jonathan White)