Barnsley 0, Lincoln City 2
Another stunning Adam Reach strike sealed all three points for the Imps as their impressive festive form continued with victory at Barnsley.
This was a third straight victory for Michael Skubala's side, who have claimed 16 points from their last six Sky Bet League One outings.
The Imps had to show their battling spirit at the start of the second period but the outcome rarely looked in doubt after Tom Hamer (pictured above) rose highest to head home the opening goal just eight minutes into the game.
The head coach made three changes, with Ivan Varfolomeev, Dom Jefferies and Justin Obikwu all coming into the starting XI.
One alteration was enforced, with the Imps still waiting to be able to scan the ankle injury suffered by Tom Bayliss at Stockport County on Boxing Day. Varfolomeev slotted in alongside Conor McGrandles in midfield, while Jefferies and Obikwu came in as part of Skubala's squad rotation during the hectic festive period.
After limiting Barnsley to shots from distance for much of the first half the home side definitely had the better of the opening 15 minutes or so of the second period, but Skubala made two changes after 61 minutes to help settle the game down. Hackett and Ryley Towler were sent on, with a switch in formation to a back three and wing-backs.
City effectively sealed the points after 72 minutes, and it was no surprise that it again came from a set-piece.
Hamer's long throw from the left was aimed at Towler, but Jack Shepherd managed to get his head to the ball first - it went straight to Reach (celebrating below) just outside the area who hit a stunning right-footed volley which flew in via the underside of the crossbar.
The Christmas period is tough with games coming thick and fast, and Skubala was full of praise for the efforts of the players and staff.
He added: “These have been three tough games, so to get maximum points has been amazing for everyone. We were solid and had great structure - these are a good team with the ball but we didn’t let them have a sniff.
“The players work hard for the badge every day, and you can see that on the pitch. All the players and staff work so hard to try and succeed for this football club.”
Skubala added supporters have a huge role to play as City look to build on an impressive opening half to the season.
More than 1,500 Imps were at Oakwell on Tuesday night, and they were rewarded with another memorable evening as goals from Tom Hamer and Adam Reach sealed a third straight win in League One.
Skubala said: “The fans who travelled were fantastic again, it was amazing to send them home with three points and we’re going to need them against Huddersfield Town on New Year’s Day.
“We need them to push us when we’re doing well, but also get behind us when we have tougher times which will come. It was a sensational atmosphere against Cardiff City and we want to keep the home run going.
“We knew this festive period would be important and everyone has played a part, but we’ve now got a really tough test to come.
“They’ve hit some form with some big results, but we fancy ourselves against anybody. We’ve been great at home and want to keep that run going.”
Attendance: 10,711 (1,529 away)
Pictures: Vaughan Photography
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