13th January 1973
Football League
Lincoln 2-2 Exeter

Dixie foils old pals

Lincoln's run of matches without a win now extends to 13 as a result of Saturday's draw with Exeter which featured four excellent goals. But the success famine, dating to before new manager Graham Taylor took control at Sincil Bank is taking a psychological toll on a Lincoln side not drastically different from the one that so nearly won promotion last season. Lack of success renders players anxious and supporters impatient. and while in general Lincoln. aren't playing badly, they are not acknowledging the vital fact that any opposition must inevitably have its share of possession. Winning sides accept this and try to contain their opponents, but when the enemy are on the ball, Lincoln panic and lose their rhythm. Lincoln dominated the first quarter of the match and forced Exeter to resort to decidedly physical defence. The last of a string of fouls they conceded led to a goal by Lincoln full back George Peden from a free-kick set piece. The home attacking reached blitz proportions soon after with three corners forced in the 15th minute alone. But Exeter, quick in thought and neat in action, inevitably clambered back into the game and as Lincoln lost their composure, began to dictate the way of things. The promise of their dangerous attacking was realised with two glorious goals early on in the second half with the home teams defence in sorry disarray. First Fred Binney set up Dick Plumb, and six minutes later Plumb returned the favour to supply Binney with a scoring chance. It's doubtful whether Lincoln would have salvaged a point if not for the sharp shooting of their best striker. Dixie McNeil. a former Exeter player who returning after six weeks' absence through injury, grabbed a great equaliser with less than 15 minutes to go.

Lincoln City. Kennedy: Bloor. Peden. Branston Trevis: Symm. McGeough. Smith (D.). Worsdale, Bradley, MeNell. Substitite: Ward

Exeter City. Wilson; Crawford, Giles, Clapham, Stacey: Scott. Parker. Gibson: Binney. Plumb, Wingate. Substi tute: Blain

Referee: D. Laing (Preston).
Attendance: 3.729