Newark and Sherwood United lose boxing day clash against Lincoln United at Ashby Avenue, Lincolnshire by two goals to one as Jack Mcmenemy hit a brace for the home side
A boxing day clash saw Newark and Sherwood United land a counterpunch on the road in the second-half against Lincoln United as Ainsley Finney found the net.
However, it wasn't enough to stop the Whites win 2-1 over the visiting Highwaymen.
205 turned up to watch the United Counties League Premier Division North fixture which was always going to be a tough one for Jonathan D'Laryea's men at the Sun-hat Villas and Resorts stadium.
The Whites are league contenders while The Highwaymen dangle not far above the relegation zone, although they have over double the points of last-placed Hucknall Town.
The Highwaymen brought a sizeable following along as they looked to build on a nice 4-1 victory against Boston in their last game.
Jack Mcmenemy got his brace for the hosts in the first-half scoring in the third and 42nd minutes to put Lincoln United up 2-0 at the break.
Chris Funnell, Lincoln United's manager said he was very happy with the side's performance in the first half-hour.
"In the first 30 minutes I thought we were fantastic," said Funnell.
"We played some of the best football we have played this season in that time.
"In the second-half they changed their shape and they were a little bit better, they were playing the ball shorter."
Ross Woolley made some great saves for his side, keeping Newark and Sherwood in the fight before Finney hit one back in the 60th minute.
The visitors were unable to get the equaliser and Lincoln United managed to hold out for the 2-1 win.
Leo Priestley was awarded the man-of-the-match for Lincoln United for his performance.
The Whites will now travel to Boston Town for tomorrow's clash (Saturday, December 30) for a 3pm kick-off.
"It was a frustrating game," said Newark and Sherwood United's man-of-the-match Ryley Thompson.
"A 2-1 defeat — we started slow and conceded two goals in the first-half which killed us.
"We managed to get one back in the second-half and we tried to build on that but just couldn't get a second.
"They are up there in the league and we are where we are, we did push them all the way.
"We have another tough game coming up against Skegness but it is definitely winnable."
Newark and Sherwood United will host Skegness at Station Road, Collingham tomorrow (Saturday December 30) kick-off 3pm.