Lincoln 3-1 Newport: Imps boost play-off hunt

Newport's FA Cup exertions caught up with them as they lost 3-1 at promotion-chasing rivals Lincoln.

After holding Premier League giants Tottenham to a 1-1 draw at the weekend, they were brought down to earth with a bump at Sincil Bank, with goals from Matt Rhead, Matt Green and Ollie Palmer securing the Imps three points, with Padraig Amond netting in reply.

Rhead and Green combined in the 13th minute to put City in front, as Green's cross was headed home at the back post by his team-mate.

Lincoln failed to take the initiative, though, and Amond levelled 20 minutes later, following up after Matt Dolan's effort had been well saved by Paul Farman.

Amond nearly had a second soon after, but Farman did well to smother his shot, while just before the break, Green inadvertently blocked colleague Lee Frecklington's goalbound header at the other end.

Six minutes after the break, City's in-form strike duo created their second as Rhead's through ball was latched on to by Green, who burst clear to crack a shot past Joe Day.

After Luke Waterfall's header was cleared off the line, the Imps brought on Palmer after 72 minutes and within 60 seconds his low 20-yard shot secured victory, with the ball hitting the inside of Day's right-hand post before crossing the line.