Lincoln survive late fright to claim Oldham scalp in FA Cup
Lincoln survived a late fright at Sincil Bank to secure a money-spinning FA Cup third round tie at Ipswich thanks to a Theo Robinson-inspired performance in a 3-2 win over Oldham.
The National League high flyers deservedly sneaked through thanks to two goals from Robinson and a fine Terry Hawkridge finish.
Oldham grabbed two goals in two minutes after the break to heap pressure on the hosts but Danny Cowley's charges held on admirably.
A bumper home crowd did not have long to wait to celebrate and, after Matt Rhead flicked on an Alan Power centre, striker Robinson nodded home from close range in the 21st minute.
Three minutes later and the hosts' advantage was doubled. A mistake in the middle of the park by Oldham's Carl Winchester saw Hawkridge race through and finish neatly.
The League One strugglers were sent out early by boss Steve Robinson for the second half - but it mattered little as the Imps immediately raced into a three-goal lead on 47 minutes. Power placed a neat pass into Robinson and the striker superbly dinked the ball over Connor Ripley and into the net.
Oldham gave themselves a lifeline on 71 minutes. Ollie Banks clipped a corner into the centre and big Peter Clarke powerfully headed home.
The hosts barely had time to regroup before Oldham pulled another goal back. A neat move on the edge of the area culminated in Billy McKay turning and firing past Paul Farman in the 73rd minute.
Try as they might late on, Oldham could not find the killer touch and Lincoln held on for a famous win.
Source: PA
