Grice double seals win over Lincoln

Tim Grice netted a double as Leek came from behind to beat Lincoln in their first league game for four weeks.

After a frustrating period of postponements due to the weather, Leek began slowly at Ashby Avenue, and found themselves behind within three minutes.

Blues goalkeeper Joe McCormack slipped as he was taking a goal kick, and Terry Fleming capitalised by crossing for Craig Leverett to give the home side the early advantage.

Lincoln kept up their relentless pressure throughout the early stages of the game, but were unable to convert any further chances.

They were made to pay just before the half hour mark when Grice latched on to a Tim Sanders through ball and managed to finish from an acute angle to level proceedings.

Leek took control of the game from that point, and Grice put them in front with twenty minutes left.

A long clearance was flicked on by Matt Haddrell, and Grice was able to control and lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Grice and Anthony Danylyk both went close to extending the lead before the goalscorer was replaced by Dan Cope, who returned to action for the first time after recovering from knee surgery.

Despite late Lincoln pressure, the Blues held on to claim a vital victory which moves them to within five points of the play-off places.

Next up for Lee Casswell's side is the Staffordshire Senior Cup quarter-final against Kidsgrove on Wednesday, but a return to league action with a home clash with Belper Town on Saturday.