Matt Crooks helps leaders Rotherham extend advantage with win over Lincoln

Posted Saturday, February 08, 2020 by PA

Matt Crooks’ 10th goal of the season cemented Rotherham’s position on top of Sky Bet League One as they triumphed 1-0 at Lincoln City.

Crooks headed home Theo Vassell’s cross in the 47th minute to secure the three points against a spirited Imps side at a sold out Sincil Bank.

After Jorge Grant curled a free-kick wide early on for Lincoln, Rotherham’s only concerted attack of the first half saw Chiedozie Ogbene have a shot charged down by Jason Shackell and then his follow-up by Max Melbourne.

Grant was then denied by a brilliant one-handed save by Daniel Iversen as he headed Harry Anderson’s cross goalwards.

Jake Hesketh then raced on to a lovely Liam Bridcutt – making his debut for the Imps – through ball to cross for the onrushing Anderson, who blazed wildly over the bar from six yards.

Within two minutes of the restart Rotherham took the lead. Dan Barlaser fed a ball out wide for Vassell, whose cross was headed home by Crooks past the despairing dive of Josh Vickers.

Imps goalkeeper Vickers kept City in the match after beating away a Vassell drive, before pouncing on another Crooks header.

Tyreece John-Jules almost scored the equaliser, but could not get enough power on his effort from sub Anthony Scully’s cross and Richard Wood was able to hack clear a yard off his own goalline.

Scully and John-Jules combined again with the latter’s low shot saved by Iversen’s leg in the final minute.