Lincoln City 0 Torquay United 0
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United did everything right in their latest League 2 fixture at Lincoln City apart from find the back of the net and grab all three points. A first clean sheet since their last league win on August 18th was a huge plus but the way United went about their business in general will send the Gulls into next weekend's home game with Northampton full of confidence.
Boss Paul Buckle made three changes to the line-up that started against Morecambe last weekend: Kieran Charnock came in for Mark Ellis at centre back with the Ellis dropping to the bench and Wayne Carlisle and Danny Stevens replaced strike pair Elliot Benyon and Scott Rendell as United reverted to the 4-4-1-1 formation that served them so well on many occasions last season. It was United's fourth formation change in recent weeks and the positive affect this tried and tested formation had may well see Bucks keeping it in place, at least away from home.
United started the match steadily and if they were expecting a blood and thunder opening from their hosts it never came. The home side did produce the first chance of the match though when Clarke flashed a shot just wide of Michael Poke's goal.
The Gulls started to press Lincoln back and Nicky Wroe saw his left foot volley from a Tim Sills nod down go over the bar but it was a sign of things to come. Wayne Carlisle was denied a shooting opportunity by a good challenge from Smith and Danny Stevens was just off target with a shot as United's good intent nearly paid dividends.
As usual Tim Sills was winning his fair share of headed challenges and with Tyrone Thompson doing a good job in support United looked far more like the team playing at home against a Lincoln line-up that were struggling to give Michael Poke much to worry about in the Gulls' goal.
In the 38th minute Poke was called into action when Oakes hit a 35 yard shot that forced a save from the Gulls' 'keeper and four minutes later Hughton should have scored when he beat Nicholson to a header at the far post but put his effort over the crossbar.
United finished the first half in the ascendancy and a succession of corners for the Gulls had the Lincoln defence creaking but they stood firm although Chris Robertson will wonder how he didn't test Burch in the home goal when he found himself six yards out but he directed his header wide of goal from a Kevin Nicholson cross.
Half-Time: Lincoln 0 United 0
No changes at the break and United began the second period as positively as they ended the first with Nicky Wroe again getting a sight at goal but his shot wasn't strong enough to trouble Burch.
Chris Robertson had to be alert to stop a dangerous looking Lincoln attack but it was a rare moment of worry for United as Danny Stevens tested Burch again and Tyrone Thompson had a glorious chance to open the scoring after he controlled a Wayne Carlisle cross but after turning well he skewed his shot wide from ten yards. United were knocking on the door but were a little short on quality in front of goal.
Midway through the second half United came agonisingly close to scoring what would probably have been the winner when Wayne Carlisle had a header cleared off the line after a good break from the Gulls involving Tyrone Thompson and Tim Sills nearly bore fruit.
More chances came and went including a Tim Sills header and a Danny Stevens shot that looked to be going in at one point but still the deadlock couldn't be broken. It would have been an injustice if United had lost this game but there was always the danger that Lincoln would finally put together a telling move and punish the Gulls.
This was as good a league performance as United have produced this season but it very nearly did all go wrong at the death and Michael Poke had to be alert and brave to deny Lichaj when both players challenged for a loose ball.
Full-Time: Lincoln 0 United 0
Bucks has been very public with his search for some new faces but he will be delighted with his current crop after a performance like this one. If he can add some more quality to this level of hard work and commitment then we will soon be looking at a clutch of teams below us in the league table rather than propping up the majority as we currently are.
Don't forget Sunday's F.A. Cup First Round Proper draw which takes place live on ITV at 1.00pm (also don't forget the clocks go back tonight!). United will be number 44 in the draw.
