Defensive errors prove costly for Bridlington Town in 3-0 defeat at Lincoln United
Bridlington Town endured a frustrating afternoon at Ashby Avenue, as three costly defensive errors proved decisive in a 3-0 defeat against Lincoln United.
The hosts made the perfect start, taking the lead after just five minutes.
A loose ball in midfield saw Bridlington caught in possession, allowing Lincoln to play straight through the defence before calmly slotting into the far corner.
The Seasiders looked to respond, with Destiny causing plenty of problems down the left flank.
A succession of dangerous crosses created opportunities, with the latest falling just behind Charlie Birdsall, whose header couldn't find the target.
However, Lincoln doubled their advantage on 18 minutes.
Another defensive error saw a poor header fall kindly for a Lincoln player, who connected with a volley that flew past Alex Baird.
Bridlington continued to search for a route back into the game, with Ahmed Salam going agonisingly close on 21 minutes. His free-kick from the edge of the box cleared the wall but drifted inches wide.
Lincoln threatened again from a set-piece, but Baird produced an excellent save on 37 minutes, diving down to his right to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.
At the other end, Salam showed good footwork to beat two defenders before seeing his effort blocked.
The biggest opportunity of the half arrived moments later, when Casey Stewart delivered a teasing ball back into the danger area, only for Salam to lift his effort over the crossbar from just a few yards out.
Bridlington made two changes at half-time, introducing Hamza Hamdosh and Liam Tibbett in place of Birdsall and Kyle Fanning.
The visitors continued to push after the restart, with Salam almost getting a dangerous delivery across goal on 58 minutes, his effort skimming across the top of the crossbar before being cleared.
Stewart then came close on 68 minutes, meeting a cross towards the back post with a header that drifted narrowly wide.
Luca Bolino was introduced and immediately looked to make an impact, delivering two excellent balls into the box on 76 minutes. One was deflected towards goal and required a save from the Lincoln goalkeeper, while the second narrowly failed to find a Bridlington shirt.
However, another defensive mistake proved costly on 77 minutes. Lincoln pounced on the loose ball and broke through one-on-one with Baird, who was unable to prevent the hosts from making it three.
Despite the scoreline, Bridlington continued to search for a consolation in the closing stages. Tibbett came incredibly close in the 92nd minute, pushing forward from left-back and finding himself inside the penalty area before turning and striking the inside of the post. Salam then fired narrowly over from the edge of the box in the 94th minute.
Attention now turns to next Saturday, as the Seasiders return to the HDM Energies Stadium for a huge FA Trophy second-round clash against Macclesfield FC.
Buy your tickets in advance on https://bridtownafc.ktckts.com/event/brd2627hfatr2/macclesfield- or pay on the day, but there could well be queues on the day to pay at Queensgate.