Tom Lawrence saved Town’s blushes with an 86th minute equaliser, his second goal of the game, as Vanarama National League leaders Lincoln City came within four minutes of a famous third round FA Cup upset at Portman Road but had to be content with a 2-2 draw. The Imps went ahead through Theo Robinson in the seventh minute, Lawrence levelled four minutes later before the Lincoln striker netted his second on 65 and the Imps looked destined to win it until Lawrence’s late goal rescued Town.

Boss Mick McCarthy made five changes with Dean Gerken, Jonas Knudsen, Andre Dozzell, Freddie Sears and Grant Ward all starting.

Skipper Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse dropped out of the squad having been doubts with knee problems, while Myles Kenlock also missed the game having suffered a calf injury at QPR.

Also not in the 18 was striker David McGoldrick, who is understood to have suffered a groin injury in training on Friday, while another frontman Leon Best was ill.

The Blues bench included 17-year-old left-back Pat Webber, who signed from Worthing at the end of last season, 19-year-old central defender or right-back George Fowler, who is from Ashfield near Debenham, Irish U19 international midfielder Adam McDonnell, 19, who made his league debut at Derby on the final day of last season, and strikers Shane McLoughlin, 19, an Irish U18 international, and England U18 international Ben Morris, 17.

Christophe Berra skippered in Chambers’s absence, while Lincoln named an unchanged team.

Town started brightly and won two early corners, but the 4,838 travelling Imps in the Cobbold Stand quickly had something to celebrate with their side taking the lead with their first chance of the game in the seventh minute.

Nathan Arnold sent over a teasing low cross from the right and former Derby striker Robinson got in between Adam Webster and Emmanuel to divert the ball past Gerken from close range.

But the Imps lead wasn’t to last for long. On 12 Lawrence picked up the ball just inside the Town half and brought it forward to the edge of the area unchallenged before hitting a low shot which went under Lincoln keeper Paul Farman and into the net to level the scores and settle more than a few nerves around Portman Road.

While it was a great run from Lawrence, who has now scored four goals during his loan spell from Leicester, Lincoln will be disappointed not to have got in at least one challenge and Farman will feel he should have done much better.

Neither side threatened again until 25th minute when Pitman hit an effort from distance, which flew well over.

Lincoln had been having more of the ball but without creating an opportunity, while the Blues had been very wasteful in possession with Dozzell having been unable to get into the game.

Imps midfielder Arnold hit a low effort from the left of the area which Gerken saved comfortably on the half hour, then moments later, following a freekick, the Blues keeper grabbed a dangerous bouncing ball in the area ahead of Robinson. The former Ram claimed he had been fouled as he went after the ball but referee Lee Probert showed little interest.

On 33 Berra made an important interception from a Bradley Wood cross from the right after a quickly taken freekick not far inside the Town half.

The visitors continued to have most of the ball, however without Gerken being forced into further action, and on 35 an Alan Power shot from the edge of the box deflected over.

Town began to have more of the ball as half-time approached and in the 43rd minute Dozzell hit a low shot which deflected just wide from the edge of the box after good work on the right from Emmanuel.

The resultant corner on the left led to another flag-kick on the right from which Pitman tried to replicate his overhead kick against Bristol City but failed to get any power on it and Farman claimed.

Neither side created a further opportunity before the whistle was greeted by cheers from the visiting fans and a few boos from the home support.

Town had started brightly and then quickly got themselves back on terms after the potentially serious blow of the early Lincoln goal but subsequently struggled to impose their superiority on the Imps.

Lincoln had subsequently been on top but without being able to create a chance from which they might have regained their lead.

The Blues had started to press more towards the break with Dozzell getting more involved but overall the non-league side will have been much the happier going off at the break and Town needed a much better second half to avoid a replay or worse still a giantkilling.

Soon after the restart Knudsen slipped on the Blues left gifting the ball to Robinson but the Danish international quickly got back to block the Lincoln striker’s cross.

The visitors threatened again in the 50th minute after a Knudsen cross from the left was cleared, Berra eventually cutting out Arnold’s cross. Soon after, Gerken grabbed a curling Robinson shot from the edge of the box.

The Town keeper was forced into a more serious save in the 56th minute when Terry Hawkridge fed the breaking Arnold after the Blues had lost possession on halfway but Gerken was out quickly to block and Berra cleared the danger.

Powerful Lincoln number nine Matt Rhead headed into the arms of Gerken on the hour, then soon after Dozzell played the ball into Sears’s feet inside the area and the ex-Colchester man hit a shot on the turn which flew only just wide.

On 62 Gerken put Bru under unnecessary pressure with a quick throw from which Lincoln quickly regained possession but the keeper comfortably claimed Sam Habergham’s shot from the right.

The visitors had looked the more threatening side throughout the second half and in the 65th minute they went back in front. Berra, under pressure from Rhead, headed Imps skipper Luke Waterfall’s long ball behind him and into the path of Robinson, who gleefully smashed home his second goal of the game to send the visiting fans wild.

With sections of the Town support singing ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ in the direction of manager Mick McCarthy Lincoln continued to take the game to the Blues with growing confidence, while the Championship side were unable to keep hold of the ball or put the Imps goal under any pressure.

Lawrence hit a 30-yard freekick over from distance in the 74th minute as the Lincoln support taunted the Town fans with chants of ‘Championship, you’re having a laugh’.

Town finally began to put the visitors under some pressure as the game reached the 80-minute mark. Ward brought the ball into the area on the right and fed Pitman, who turned his shot well over.

With nine minutes remaining Jack Muldoon replaced two-goal striker Robinson, whose last visit to Portman Road saw him score as Derby beat the Blues 2-1 in October 2012, a game which led to former Town manager Paul Jewell’s departure the following day.

On 83 Lawrence crossed from the left and Farman did well to get down to his left to keep out Dozzell’s flicked header.

Aside from that Town hadn’t looked like getting back on terms until another brilliant Lawrence strike saved the Blues’ blushes. The on-loan Leicester man picked the ball up midway inside the Imps half and smashed a low shot which flew past Farman to his left.

Having got back on terms, Town now went after a winner, Lawrence and Sears exchanging passes on the left of the area before winning the first of two corners.

But there was another big scare for the Blues in the final minute when Lincoln broke quickly and, with a blatant trip on Berra having been missed by the officials, Alex Woodyard broke into the area from Arnold’s pass, however, Emmanuel did superbly to get back and use his strength to dispossess the Imps midfielder.

Seconds before the whistle Berra won a header from a Knudsen long throw on the right but Sears’s looped effort towards goal was straight into Farman’s arms.

Loud boos greeted the final whistle from home sections of Portman Road, while the Lincoln supporters celebrated the draw which might well have been an even more famous win but for Lawrence’s equaliser. Manager McCarthy was also booed as he made his way to the tunnel.

Having failed to impose themselves in the first half, the Blues were little better at the start of the season and worse once yet another defensive error had led to Lincoln’s second goal.

The Blues gradually started to make some headway but it took a piece of individual magic from Lawrence, quickly emerging as Town’s player of the year, to save what would have been considerable embarrassment and a first FA Cup defeat to non-league opposition since the January 1960 loss to Peterborough United at the same stage.

From there the Blues might even have won it with the Imps finally put under some pressure but were unable to claim a winner which would have been very harsh on the visitors, who might even have grabbed a third goal on the break but for Emmanuel’s interception.

The teams, who both go into the fourth round draw at 7.10pm on Monday ahead of Cambridge United’s tie with Leeds United, will meet again at Sincil Bank a week on Tuesday when the Blues will have to be much better if they are to avoid an embarrassing replay exit.

Town: Gerken, Emmanuel, Webster, Berra (c), Knudsen, Bru, Ward, Dozzell, Lawrence, Sears, Pitman. Unused: Bialkowski, Fowler, Webber, McDonnell, Douglas, McLoughlin, Morris.

Lincoln: Farman, Wood, Habergham, Waterfall (c), Power, Rhead (Long 90), Hawkridge, Raggett, Arnold, Woodyard, Robinson (Muldoon 81). Unused: Walker, Marriott, Miles, Fixter, McCombe. Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire). Att: 16,027 (Lincoln 4,838).

Photo: TWTD

dangerous30 added 18:48 - Jan 7 dirtydingusmagee I will always disagree with fans who wish are team too lose. I have followed town for 50 years and for fans too hope we lose just does not sit right with me.
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Dissboyitfc added 18:56 - Jan 7 Dangerous30 ..... i have never wanted to see the town lose a game until now the man is ruining the club and has to go, i want to go back to watching exciting football at Portman Rd, something that is not going to happen under MM... McMarthy out, there are no more excuses. Ps i was disappointed when we equalised and disappointed they didn't get a late winner when through on goal. You cant make an omelette without breaking an egg, He has to go! Cant believe there is a anybody wanting MM to stay!

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dannyrr added 18:56 - Jan 7 I went today against my better judgement wish I hadn't bothered. I was surprised to see that we had nearly 16,000 home fans. If it wasn't for the moments of brilliance from Tom Lawrence we would have been well out of the game. Emmanuel, Webster and Lawrence were worth their wages today. Too many players stood back and failed to win second balls but Lincoln made sure they challenged for everything we could easily have been a few goals down in the first half. Can we stop the long throw it doesn't do anything it never has. This was an awful performance against a non league side who showed us how to play football. Pitman did very little all game and after he got injured before half time I thought MM would have given a youngster a chance what did we have to lose. There wasn't even a sub getting warmed up in the second half. I bet Lincoln were devastated when we equalised but they played on to preserve the draw and get a replay. Even the away fans were singing you're getting sacked in the morning at one point. I lost count of the amount of free kicks Berra gave away again today and Knudsen was awful too. So many of the team looked like they couldn't be bothered today and that was reflected in the play and result. Again this papers over the cracks. MM is going nowhere until his contract is finished as are we.

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prebsa added 19:02 - Jan 7 Relying on someone who is not even our player to salvage a draw. Unacceptable. MICK OUT
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Penguinblue added 19:03 - Jan 7 McCarthy and Connor were on the side of the pitch clueless as always. Unfortunately as we have seen this season there are are a number of other second rate managers on the gravy train who insult the paying fans by telling us how good they are. This shambles is compulsive and I can't stay away. Players are poor but the manager is worse. Total lack of decency in McCarthy not walking. McCarthy OUT

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markytitfc added 19:07 - Jan 7 I am actually starting to feel sorry for Mcarthy. Surely you have to feel for someone who keeps trying but failing miserably and failing to see that no one wants him here anymore? Just go Mick before you make yourself more of a laughing stock
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StochesStotasBlewe added 19:15 - Jan 7 Pathetic. Well played Lincoln. Remind me who the National League team were, any neutral fan watching that today would have thought it was us. Lawrence aside, abject performance. My son accompanied me today, his first game in 4 years. "How can you watch this sh#t every week dad". I sighed & couldn,t give him an honest answer. Don,t expect he will be coming again any time soon. Mick out.

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mkbobby added 19:20 - Jan 7 Has that f*%_ing idiot not gone yet ,goes to show how bloody thick skinned he is. I have to say I was rather pissed off when we equalised but then again even if we had of got beat I still don, t think the club would of taken any action I believe the only the way we will get rid of the prat is if Evans gives up controlling the club surely there must be some other consortium that fancies our club

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dirtydingusmagee added 19:23 - Jan 7 dangerous30 I applaud your lengthy support of the club I'm 70 and been a supporter 50 years myself,but enough is enough,i don't want to seem like I'm fighting our supporters but I honestly think those still prepared to shell out money to go to matches now are prolonging the pain the club is suffering now, I just wish that people would make a stand against this regime.

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dangerous30 added 19:28 - Jan 7 Dissboyitfc you will never see exciting football at Portman road until we invest in quality players. new manger will still have the same players who make the same stupid mistakes.
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alfromcol added 19:36 - Jan 7 The one bright note, our young RB, who given the opportunity could develop into a great player. I just hope MM notices.
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bbg added 19:36 - Jan 7 It must be frustrating not being able to blame Douglas, Chambers or Skuse today. As usual we pour on vitriol on MM, who knows nothing about football, cannot judge a player or pick his best team but managed two clubs to Championship titles. Furthermore, it is a proven fact that managers improve with experience, look at Ranieri.. His side didnt play pretty football either, I dont think their fans were bothered. We are surprised the teams confidence is shattered when "fans" on this site have admitted that they want the opposition to win every week. Maybe we are the problem not the above four.

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Cakeman added 19:39 - Jan 7 Well done to all involved with Lincoln. You deserved to win as you played with heart, passion and no shortage of skill too. Sadly our fast declining club fielded a team (Lawrence and Emmanuel aside) who did not play at all and certainly played as though they did not care. That's how I saw it anyway. The only outstanding question I have is how low do we have to sink before our blinkered owner does anything about it. McCarthy must surely just be waiting for a pay off departure because he won't walk on his own that's for sure and deep down he must know that he will not win over most of the supporters.

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sixtyblue added 19:44 - Jan 7 The trouble from top to bottom at the club is that they have lucrative contracts that are not performance related.McCarthy is still probably on a million a season as was said to be what he got to save us from relegation.Sorry Mick your time should be up you hit your peak two years ago and since then it's only been a downward spiral which could inevitably have disastrous effect on. The future of our club.Go now and enjoy your retirement.

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dalinghooblue added 19:44 - Jan 7 As any service personnel could tell you, our management is like a well known services catering concern. No Ambition And F**kall Interest
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grubbyoik added 19:45 - Jan 7 There is always a point when the fans of a club have reached the end of their teather.. this is not of their making.. it is usually down to the manager or the owner or combination of the two. Because we are known to be a patient club.. and give the manager longer to sort it out.. us as fans suffer longer than some less patient clubs owners.. Evans .. get a grip and get him gone. And this time don't take your advice from where you got it the last 3 times!

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GGblocker added 19:54 - Jan 7 Think we need to be signing the Lincoln number 11 . He was running rings round us .
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Dissboyitfc added 19:54 - Jan 7 dangerous30....A massive no an exciting game of football has nothing to do with money spent on footballers. What an ignorant an ill informed comment you make. How does spending money equate to excitement and entertainment??????????? you could have the worlds most expensive 22 players on the pitch but if both managers set up to cancel out the other side you would still get a boring game. MM OUT NOW!!!!!!

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bluearmy4life added 19:57 - Jan 7 Didn't go to the game and I'm glad I didn't! Well done to everyone connected with Lincoln city! You should be so proud of your performance and result, although you were unlucky by the sounds of things not to win it! As for ITFC what the heck is going on at our football club? This is shocking and unacceptable and it feels to me as the owner and the board aren't bothered with our horrendous, poor, season so far. I think there are 3 worst clubs than us this season ie Rotherham, Wigan and a other, but if we survive this season and we keep McCarthy we will be relegated next season. This is the worst town set up since I have supported town which is 25 years and counting! It's time to go Mick. Our club needs sorting out from top to bottom. McCarthy out

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Pip50 added 19:58 - Jan 7 Dissbonce of course what choice does he have. No budget no top leadership with no ffin ideas poor youth set up. Diss ? you should be watching the wkers up the road. I dislike his style management but I don't think we can expect Guardiola to be joining us anytime soon nor anyone with any sense!
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norfolk1 added 19:59 - Jan 7 The ITFC supporters have the answer to MM departure, please do your bit and stay away from PR .
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Ipswichbusiness added 19:59 - Jan 7 Bbg I accept that MM came in at a difficult time for the club and in his first couple of seasons did very well. I accept that he has had to sell some important players. I accept that even the best managers have player purchases that don' work out. I was a big MM supporter. I lost it with him that game last year when we were playing relegation threatened Rotherham at PR and we played 4-3-3 with three defensive midfielders and lost. His great advantage was that he was able to organise a defence and make us hard to beat; that has not been the case this season. The last couple of years we have been going backwards and there is no sign that MM has much idea how to stop it. We are in serious danger of being relegated this season unless something is done. That is why we need a change, before it is too late.

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planetblue_2011 added 20:01 - Jan 7 Feel for you town fans who went today!! What a load of rubbish, can it get any worse!! MICK OUT - MCGREAL IN👍🏻
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Dissboyitfc added 20:05 - Jan 7 pip50 did Lincoln play some nice football today or not? serious question.
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Steelmonkey added 20:08 - Jan 7 I think we saw more exciting play from the Lincoln players today then we have from ours, so not necessary to invest great amounts of money we just need a manager who knows what to look for in a player then nurture them and not coach all that's good out of them. Knudsen looked so far out of his depth, Pitman had no answer to his marker Bru was woeful, Dozzell had no support need I go on. Just cant understand why Douglas different class was not brought on ha, ha. Some of our the players do not seem to have the confidence or the ability to take on opposing players. If this Manager who we have is unable to unearth players from lower leagues we need to find one that can as we obviously do not have the resources to compete for "class" players. I'm sorry to say that if something doesn't change between now and the seasons end I really cannot see me renewing my season ticket, as I can't bare to continue watching the drivel served up by MM much longer and then coming away and beating myself up about it as if it's my fault. I no longer enjoy being at PR anymore, and when you have lost that spark it's very hard to re-ignite it.

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