Erik Ring was the happiest man in the LNER Arena after he scored his first goal in English football as Lincoln beat 10-man Northampton 2-1 in League One.
Ring, signed from AIK in the summer, converted fellow substitute Jovon Makama’s cross in the 88th minute – after Tyler Roberts had been sent off for a second booking – to send the Imps up to fifth spot and end the Cobblers’ four-game unbeaten run.
Town had taken a second-minute lead through Tariqe Fosu, only for Tom Hamer – who later rolled his ankle – to restore parity 16 minutes later.
“It was a tough game and I was happy to come on and score,” said Ring.
“We had worked in training about getting me into the box more and closer to goal. It was a great feeling to get the winner.”
Imps assistant head coach Tom Shaw admitted it had been a hard-fought win, saying: “It wasn’t as aesthetically pleasing as our previous game, but worth the same amount of points and we came out on the right side of the result.
“There were definitely some big learning lessons for us in there and it’s always nice to be learning when you’ve got another three points in the bag.
“Tonight’s match was so different to Saturday and was a bit scruffier, but we still created chances in the chaos.”
The Cobblers were ahead inside 90 seconds, when Roberts outfoxed the City defence and raced down the left to square for Fosu, who drilled home a low shot.
Roberts nearly sliced a Reeco Hackett corner into his own net, but from the resulting delivery, Hackett’s cross found Hamer at the back post and he crashed the ball in to restore parity.
Roberts then saw red after 75 minutes, picking up a needless second booking for punching the ball away as City won a throw-in, before Makama set up Ring to drive home the winner.
Northampton boss Jon Brady could not conceal his frustration, both at the match officials and with his dismissed forward Roberts.
“We took the lead, but their first goal… (Bailey) Cadamarteri grabbed hold of (Ben) Foxy around the arm and the officials miss it – we’re not getting the breaks at the moment,” he said.
“It is very frustrating. Tyler got his first booking for a 50-50 shoulder-to-shoulder duel and I just can’t fathom how that was a yellow card.
“But then his second, which I agreed with, when the ball was out of play, was inexcusable. You just can’t do that, you’re a professional footballer and we need him on the pitch.
“We then have to defend for around 26 minutes with 10 men. We did brilliantly and reduced them to a few shots from distance and then they have one real effort and score from it because we’re just too loose in the box.
“It’s really tough to take and is hugely frustrating. Lincoln is a tough place to come and I am proud of my team’s efforts.”
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