A predatory piece of finishing from in-form forward Geoff Horsfield fired Fulham past struggling Lincoln City as the Whites registered an eleventh straight home league win.
The Second Division league leaders had to endure a tough afternoon as they laboured to break down a resolute Lincoln defence and it was left to Horsfield to supply the only goal of the game a minute before half-time. The former Halifax Town striker, who has quickly become a cult hero since being brought to Craven Cottage by Kevin Keegan last October for £30,000, produced the game’s singular stellar moment when he majestically volleyed home a cross from Steve Hayward.
The Whites were certainly the better side but were well below the standards they have set during an astonishing season where they have set the pace at the top of the table whilst reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup and the third round in the League Cup. The hosts should have extended their lead but Barry Hayles and Steve Finnan were thwarted by superb stops from former Fulham goalkeeper John Vaughan.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Taylor; Finnan, Brevett, Symons, Coleman; Morgan, N. Smith, Hayward, Trollope (Peschisolido 45); Horsfield, Hayles (Uhlenbeek 68). Subs (not used): Betsy.
GOAL: Horsfield (44).
LINCOLN CITY (5-3-2): Vaughan; Brown, Bimson, Holmes, Barnett, Austin (P. Smith 45); Philpott, Peacock, Miller; Thorpe (Fenn 85), Alcide. Subs (not used): Gain.
BOOKED: Thorpe, Philpott.
REFEREE: Bill Jordan (West Yorkshire).
ATTENDANCE: 11,702.
provided a late rally which caused some anxious moments.
It was Fulham’s 11th successive home win and keeps them clear at the top of the table.
