Nathan Arnold’s late goal sent Sincil Bank wild as Vanarama National League leaders Lincoln City defeated Town 1-0 to record a famous FA Cup third round replay victory in front of a live TV audience. As at Portman Road in the first game, the Imps were the better side and Arnold confirmed one of the most embarrassing defeats in the Blues' history in the final moments when he was sent through on goal, rounded Dean Gerken and tapped the ball into the net.

Gerken, Paul Digby, Leon Best, Jonathan Douglas and Grant Ward all returned to a Blues line-up featuring five changes from the side which beat Blackburn 3-2 on Saturday.

Digby was handed his second start of the season - the other was in the EFL Cup - in what was a continuation of the three-man backline, playing on the right with skipper Luke Chambers in the middle and Christophe Berra on the left. Adam Webster missed out, due to an ankle injury.

Josh Emmanuel and Jonas Knudsen were again the wing-backs, while Gerken started in goal as he did in the first match with Bartosz Bialkowski the sub keeper.

Ward and Douglas were in central midfield with Andre Dozzell and Kevin Bru dropping to the bench. Best replaced Freddie Sears, who was also among the subs, up front with Tom Lawrence.

Also on the bench were youngsters Adam McDonnell, a midfielder, striker Ben Morris and left-back Pat Webber.

Lincoln named the same XI which started the 2-2 draw at Portman Road having made six changes for Saturday’s 3-1 FA Trophy victory at Gateshead.

Following a minute’s applause for ex-Imps boss Graham Taylor, who died last week, Lincoln, who lined-up in a 4-4-2 system, started on the front foot in front of a noisy Sincil Bank crowd but without being able to carve out an early opening.

Town first threatened from a long Knudsen throw from the left but Lincoln eventually cleared the danger.

On 10 Nathan Arnold shot well over for the home side, then soon afterwards Lawrence, scorer of both Town’s goals in the first match and five in his last three matches, broke forward ominously and hit a low 25-yard strike which Imps keeper Paul Farman got down to his right to save at a stretch.

Matt Rhead, who had already been spoken to by referee Ben Toner twice for transgressions, headed a cross well wide in the 15th minute with Blues keeper Gerken still to be seriously tested.

Lincoln were having most of the ball with the Blues unable to keep it whenever they got hold of it.

The home side began to threaten and in the 24th minute the ball was played into Theo Robinson’s feet on the edge of the six-yard box. The former Derby man, who scored twice in the first match, tried to turn but found his way blocked by Chambers and Digby.

The Blues were under the cosh against the again impressive Vanarama National League leaders but on 29 Best brought the ball out and fed Lawrence to his left.

The Welshman played a superb first-time ball in towards Ward breaking in on goal down the middle but too far in front of the former Spurs man, who went to ground as he collided with Farman but without claiming a penalty.

But Lincoln continued to pin Town back inside their own area and on 33 Terry Hawkridge crossed from the right, however, Rhead was unable to make a clean contact on the ball, which flew wide.

Town made it out of their own half in the 36th minute and Ward fed Emmanuel to his right but the wing-back’s cross didn’t find a Blues player and the Imps cleared.

There was a big scare for the Blues a minute from the end of the half when Imps skipper Luke Waterfall was found in space from a knockdown from a long throw on the left and seemed certain to score. However, Gerken quickly came off his line to palm his effort past the post. Inexplicably referee Toner gave a goalkick.

Town would have been much the happier to hear the official’s whistle ending a half which had been thoroughly dominated by the home side.

The Imps had controlled the game throughout with the Blues forced to defend on the edge of their box for long spells and will feel they had done enough to go in front.

Waterfall’s chance towards the end of the half was the best of the game, while Lawrence’s strike from distance was the only save home keeper Farman had been forced to make.

The Blues needed to improve significantly in the second half to avoid an embarrassing FA Cup exit.

Lincoln began the second half much as they had ended the first and on 50 Rhead was booked for catching Berra with an arm as they battled in the air, a challenge which the Scottish international and a number of other Town players were less than impressed with . Soon after, Lawrence suffered a shoulder injury after being blocked by Bradley Wood.

Town made their first foray forward of the half in the 54th minute but Knudsen’s cross from the left was blocked.

Emmanuel forced Farman into his first serious save of the game in the 58th minute, hitting a powerful shot on the turn from the edge of the area but the keeper got down to his left to block and the loose ball was cleared.

Town subsequently put the Imps under a brief spell of pressure as Knudsen sent in some long throws from the left but without creating an opportunity.

But Lincoln quickly began to look the more threatening side again and just before the hour Douglas was booked for a foul on Rhead on halfway.

On 65 Hawkridge struck a shot from distance that Gerken pawed away to his right and claimed at the second attempt.

Eight minutes later, Best profited from a Lincoln error midway inside their half and brought the ball forward to the edge of the box before hitting a shot which was blocked.

That was Best’s final action of another not overly convincing display with Freddie Sears replacing him as Andre Dozzell took over from Ward.

Arnold shot over for the Imps as home fans stood to applaud Graham Taylor as phone lights were held aloft for a minute.

As the game moved into its final five scheduled minutes a poor clearance fell to Knudsen on the edge of the box but the Dane’s volley flew wide.

Soon after Wood was booked for a foul on Lawrence and from the Town freekick the Imps won the tie.

As the fourth official raised the board indicating four additional minutes, the on-loan Leicester man’s freekick was headed clear, Lincoln sub Adam Marriott broke and drew two Town defenders and played in Arnold, who rounded Gerken and tapped home to seal the victory and send the home fans into raptures.

The Blues desperately looked to get themselves back into the game in the remaining minutes but it was Gerken who was forced into a save rather than Farman, sub Jack Muldoon hitting a shot into Gerken’s midriff.

Soon after, the referee confirmed one of the most humiliating defeats in Town's history, only their second FA Cup defeat to non-league opposition since the Blues became a Football League club in 1938, the first their 1960 loss to Peterborough,

The Imps, who have reached the fourth round for the first time since 1976 and face a tie against Championship leaders Brighton, thoroughly deserved their win having been the better side in both matches. Lawrence’s goals saved the Blues in the first game but the on-loan Leicester man couldn’t save woeful Town a second time.

Town, who are still without an FA Cup win since the victory at Blackpool in January 2010, can have no complaints about the result and the opprobrium which is set to come their way having been outplayed by a team from three levels below them for a second time in front of a nationwide and global TV audience.

Lincoln: Farman, Wood, Haberham, Waterfall (c), Power, Rhead, Hawkridge (McCombe 90), Raggett, Arnold (Muldoon 90), Woodyard, Robinson (Marriott 78). Unused: Long, Miles, Weatherell, Walker.

Town: Gerken, Digby, Chambers (c), Berra, Emmanuel, Ward (Dozzell 75), Skuse, Douglas, Knudsen, Lawrence, Best (Sears 75). Unused: Bialkowski, Bru, McDonnell, Morris, Webber. Referee: Ben Toner (Lancashire). Att: 9,067 (Town: 1,094).

Photo: TWTD

BlueMachines added 10:38 - Jan 18 As long as Muck has been honest, all is okay.....
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daniellay19 added 10:40 - Jan 18 I can honestly admit I could have cried after that performance. The club is in a very bad place at the moment and its sad to see - Hashtag #Taxiformick
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dirtydingusmagee added 10:48 - Jan 18 he is still there, for f#ck sake I just cant believe it and Milne calling for fans to support him just rub salt in the wounds.
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Razor added 10:57 - Jan 18 Last Saturday despite begging letters from the club offering fans half price admission the gate just crept over only 15,000-----that is the problem Fans have now had enough and are voting with their feet---if their are no changes made after last night we could end up doing a Coventry----dont laugh.
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tempzzzz added 10:58 - Jan 18 I just don't get it! He wins back a few fans, not me, on Saturday by playing a more attacking team and putting on a much better display of football that was entertaining! He then goes on in interviews about how he won't take Lincoln for granted, then decides to play Skuse and Douglas! How are we supposed to score with Douglas the useless f-ck in midfield!!! Lawrence did everyone elses job for them in that game so no way we can hold him responsible for the game. Every other player, Gerken aside, was utter sh-t! Dino needs to go! Agreed with comments about needing protests/walkouts! Problem is how do we arrange this with the people who don't come on here?

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portmanteau added 11:47 - Jan 18 MM has made it clear for years that he is not interested in cup competitions. Probably convinced the owner too. We havent won an FA Cup game under him and when we lose yet again you dont have to wonder why or how. Its due to players following his instructions. Good luck to Lincoln, at least they were up for it but even so they only had two shots on target. Dont get complacent lads, Brighton will be a whole new ball game.

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littlestoneblue added 12:11 - Jan 18 It will be very interesting watching Brighton completely putting Lincoln in there place, Chris Houghton will have seen the two games, and will field a side that will smash Lincoln by at least a 4 goal margin.
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Bluroo added 12:20 - Jan 18 Hope this is a blessing in disguise. Mick is no longer bothered by the sack, but there is a slight hint of arrogance that he's not expecting it due to the contract he's sitting on... and the plans of our owner to float in a state of mediocrity and survival. I'm secretly hoping that we don't secure any of these strikers for a couple of million, as I don't want our limited funds to be spent on a player that won't fit a new footballing style once we've got shot of the Dinosaur. I'd honestly take relegation now if it GUARANTEED the removal of Mick and his staff and the recruitment of a young dynamic management team, with a plan to build a young, footballing side. And before you ask, NO, I would not need the guarantee of instant promotion to take that deal... I'm not watching another game whilst this drivel is on offer. Football is a form of entertainment and I'm simply not entertained by this shambles. I grew up watching us play some of the best football in Europe. Now we don't even play the best football in Lincoln. My sons Sunday league offerings are more attractive. Get rid of Mick and build from ground zero as Leicester, Southampton and dare I say it Norwich have successfully done.

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trevski added 13:57 - Jan 18 One of 2 things will hopefully happen now: 1) We keep Mick until the end of the season to redeem himself and see this as the wake up call that has been knocking on door for months now. I know we are having a bit of an injury crisis at the moment but that shouldn't prevent us from winning that game and especially with the team that we played. I was watching it on BBC and you could tell from the free kick that Lawerence knew he messed it up but HOW was he the only person that came back to defend? Where was Berra, Chambo, Knuds, Digby and Douglas? At least Emmanuel was there and put in a decent performance but just never seemed to get any support every time he went forward. Please use the rest of this window to get rid of Douglas, Coke, Best and get in a known prolific striker (not going to say anything about Moore yet till he has played a few games) and a permanent attack minded midfielder 2) McCarthy out and I think we should get in Danny Cowley (and he can bring Theo Robinson with him)

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dirtydingusmagee added 14:52 - Jan 18 still no news of him going, I stopped going to games end of last season,now after being a supporter fo 50+ iv'e totally given up I have just burnt my Town scarf and cap on the pub fire. As I live nearer to Norwich than Ipswich most of the regulars are canaries I get flack at best of times ,but after this latest debacle I have to concede .Ive never been so p,ssed off with the club in my life .

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Kirbmeister added 15:15 - Jan 18 Trevski - I would love to get in a prolific striker also but so would every other club in the country. If one became available they're going to sign for a club much bigger and richer than us. Therefore it's just not going to happen.
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dannyrr added 17:09 - Jan 18 That was awful to watch last night. Must have been awful for Terry Butcher to be there to see first hand and to have to comment on that debacle. There was no desire to challenge or win the ball which Lincoln made every effort to do. This is not unusual as this has been a common trait for months now watching the ball and allowing the opposition to win the ball every time. Please DO NOT publish highlights of the match as there were none as there have been many games recently that have had no highlights to watch except defeat. My son and I have season tickets but he has chosen to play in non league football rather than watch ITFC. I enjoy watching them play even if they aren't winning- at least I can see their efforts. ME will not sack MM and we will be subjected to this dross for sometime. We may survive this season but with M M at the helm for another season we may not have more teams worse than us and may not survive a season. It will be MMs legacy to ITFC. The crowds will disappear and so will any desire for any decent players to join. We were unable to keep possession last night and couldn't play the ball with the defence launching the ball at every opportunity like a hot potato. Gergen had a decent game and our performance was a mirror of so many recent home games one shot at goal and two corners and we had to wait 60 minutes for that!!! It was painful to listen to the commentary team talk about the team and the lacklustre play. Neither Skuse or Douglas are creative and there wasn't going to be any service for anyone upfront on their own. Lawrence was marked out of the game as he was going to be our only threat so he was nullified. Pity MM couldn't have done as much homework as the Cowley brothers. Some difficult games coming up. Let's see who gets wheeled out to feed us with propaganda and promises of better times and getting behind the team. 😡😡😡

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blueboy1981 added 18:00 - Jan 18 R.I.P. IPSWICH TOWN. The Clowns are running the Circus.
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blueboy1981 added 18:22 - Jan 18 .......... honestly - what 'prolific striker' would be interested in joining this rabble ? He'd have fears from day one of being converted into a 'holding midfielder' or 'defender' before he even arrived.
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woohoo added 18:26 - Jan 18 I feel sorry for Gerken. He doesn't get much chance to play and then ends up on the wrong end of that disaster last night.
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 18:49 - Jan 18 Well, you think this is bad, just wait until they find out about it in Norfolk.
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WestNorfolk_Blue added 19:28 - Jan 18 Rest assured Norfolk has heard, living there I am surrounded by budgies at work and yes they have had a field day. For that I don't care as I have dished it, some time back now but I vaguely remember. Marcus Evans must be proud of Mick after buying our clubs debt at a reduced cost and then claiming interest payments to the full. I feel all he wants is a club who hold their own in this division and spend minimum money, our beloved club is simply a money shuffling tax fiddle. To me that makes Mick some sort of patsy who must understand his role but is happy to take his pay and shoulder the sh*t. no respect from me as he must have earnt enough now to be a man and say f*ck you Marcus I'm off. All but a couple of players last night should have been into the office first thing this morning having written out cheques reimbursing the club for miss-spent wages, I don't see how they can take payment for that cr*p. The back three were scared of a bloody great pie eater who poor mortals like us have met week in week out on our local turf at basement level, we would have we would have stepped up and battled with him, beat him then lifted his shirt and bulge to p*ss him off, he wouldn't have lasted until half time, instead our dainty triple hid behind each other and let him run the show. I felt so sorry for Butcher last night having to suffer the humiliation on tv and wish he would offer his service to the cause, he showed more passion behind the mike than the team showed on the pitch.

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oldelsworthyfan added 19:34 - Jan 18 After last night's performance, let alone all the shocking performances this season so far, if you were ME would you trust MM with money to spend on new players? I'm sorry to say MM is finished - 'a dead Manager walking'. Every other Manager can predict how his team is going to play, even non-league Managers (Bless them!). We are disorganised with no new footballing ideas. Oh for another Alf or Bobby! Sadly, the only way for MM is out. A useful tax loss for ME.

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WoodfordTim added 20:01 - Jan 18 Didn't we know as soon as we saw the team announced?: 7 defenders, 1 creative midfielder and two up front. Even so, we had to remember who we were playing!!! Heavy in defence, no midfield creativity, hoofball from the back and poor Leon Best isolated among their defenders. Am left embarrassed, sad & angry. Now we are asked to rally behind them. What a cheek. We have had enough of this style of football for most of the season. Maybe with injured players coming back and a couple of new signings it will turn round. Please give us some encouragement though! MM has to take the blame for last night's debacle for 1) picking the team & 2) selecting the tactics. Was there any tactics though?!!

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pup12 added 20:04 - Jan 18 OMG!!! Disgusting!!! What the hell was that?? That was the team I love and surport on bbc1 playing like THAT!we hadn't a clue what we were doing from the first kick.Just hanging on from the first minute until the 87!We did well to last that long.MM out ffs! I agree with other post give two managers from Lincoln the job ,they live in Braintree so local lads.Just a thought Coyb ffs

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TimS added 20:47 - Jan 18 So much has been written about last night that I feel that I can not add anything more. The whole match has been eating at me all day. I was going to blog about it but I think that it is too serious to write some ironic pithy article. I am going to write to the directors. Whether I get a reply or not, I just can not let this dear club just die on my watch- it has been part of my family for generations.

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bringbackthedutch added 21:17 - Jan 18 I can hack us losing - it happens, we have no divine right to win because we're 59 places up the pyramid. I can even hack the abject performance - sometimes the other team can get on top and you can't assert yourself. But, I can't hack a line up with 7 essentially defensive players. How were we supposed to win? Hope the ball luckily bounced off one of our defenders and went straight to Tom? And it keeps happening - Rotherham at home last season, the last 20 minutes against QPR, last night. You can't win without being set up to try. Madness! Any idiot can see that, can't they? Even Milne alluded to it.

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MickeyMills added 21:19 - Jan 18 Out played, out muscled, out maneuvered and out classed. Well played Lincoln. You played for your manager(s), you played for your club and you played for your supporters. We have much to learn from you. Still fuming from our display, tactics and team selection. Surely there is only one outcome to this!
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TonyMowbray added 21:56 - Jan 18 There's one bit from last night's game that keeps replaying over and over in my mind like a recurring nightmare making me shudder........Douglas finding himself on the ball in his own half with a bit of space and time, before taking a couple of waddle's forward and aimlessly thumping the ball forward so badly that it ended up out on the main road. Urrrrrrgggghhhhh
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gixxeral added 21:57 - Jan 18 For fxxxs sake, please leave. Give us something to watch again with pride. Just go....
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