League Two leaders Lincoln held at bottom side Notts County

Posted Sunday, February 03, 2019 by PA

John Akinde missed a late penalty for League Two leaders Lincoln City as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at bottom side Notts County.

The Magpies made a dream start after just two minutes when they won a penalty with their first meaningful attack when Mitch Rose’s cross teased Harry Toffolo into a challenge on Jon Stead.

Referee Antony Coggins immediately pointed to the spot and Stead, who had missed a penalty in front of the Kop against Bury at Christmas, made no mistake from 12 yards this time around.

Enzio Boldewijn then forced Grant Smith into a save from 20 yards but gradually Lincoln began to make their presence felt.

Jason Shackell ghosted in to head straight at County goalkeeper Ryan Schofield but it was Bruno Andrade who hauled the visitors level with a 20-yard strike that Schofield could not keep out.

Despite being threatened with relegation to the National League, Notts pushed forward for a vital winner with Stead seeing a header clip the bar.

But there was late drama when Akinde was fouled in the box by debutant defender Sam Stubbs, only for the forward to roll his spot-kick past the post.