MAY 12TH
On this day in 2007 Rovers took on, and beat, Lincoln City at the Memorial Stadium in the first leg of the League Two play off semi final. The game kicked off at 5.15pm and a crowd of 10,654 turned up to see if Paul Trollope’s side could take a lead into the second leg.
Former Rovers striker Jamie Forrester, who had scored 11 goals in 57 league games for the Pirates, was now turning out for the Red Imps, who would be contesting a play off spot for the fifth consecutive season. Aaron Lescott, who had missed the final run in to the league programme following the red card he received at Barnet, was included in the squad for this crucial match, though he never made it on to the pitch.
Rovers drew first blood and it only took them ten minutes when a well worked throw in routine involving Lewis Haldane and Ryan Green, saw the ball played to Rickie Lambert and his cross to the back post saw Craig Disley arrive to plant a firm header past Andy Marriott.
A dogged Lincoln side were back on level terms just after the half hour mark thanks to future Rovers player, Jeff Hughes. When Rovers conceded a free kick 20 yards out, Hughes delivered the ball into the area and it eluded everyone, Steve Phillips included, before creeping into the net at the far post.
A pulsating game was settled on 54 minutes when Richard Walker finished following Steve Elliott’s quickly taken free kick.
Even though Trollope might have preferred a bigger winning margin to defend at Sincil Bank the following Thursday, he seemed quite calm afterwards; ‘Playing in big matches is something we’ve become accustomed to this year and the players won’t be fazed by going to Lincoln. This group of players have dealt with everything that’s been thrown at them and coped with it all.’
Rovers: Phillips, Green (R), Anthony, Elliott, Carruthers, Jacobson, Campbell, Disley, Haldane (Igoe), Lambert (Rigg), Walker
Substitutes: Lescott, Lines, Green (M)
Photos: Craig Disley scores…and celebrates, Richard Walker, a reminder of the score, Programme Cover
Keith Brookman