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

dugoutdave added 22:59 - Jan 17 He absolutely has to go. Impossible to support on any level a manager such a MM, and Evans has absolutely NO right to expect our continued support. Should give travelling money back to those who went for embarrassing them so much. As per my comment in the half time article in the Half time article - Get in someone like Alan Shearer - someone who knows the modern game and has the balls

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NorthFar added 22:59 - Jan 17 That was an absolute disgrace. Shameful. No game plan, no system, no invention to put it right, no creativity, no passion. McCarthy's football has always been hit and hope and know it's solely hope. From the kick off we were embarrassed. The real shock, for those of us who watch this shower week in week out would have been a Town victory. There is no way back for McCarthy now. He has lost everyone, including the players it seems. There can be no more excuses. I don't want to hear anything from McCarthy. It will be the same old rubbish. He's finished. Evans is utterly clueless. He won't make the right appointment. He has no idea what to do. He's proved that time and time again. His naivety got us into this position, star struck as he is with big managerial appointments who cannot deliver. Our chance was 2 years ago, top at Christmas and playing well. He missed it. Blew it. As did McCarthy, surprised by his good fortune. It's been downhill ever since. My season ticket is in the cupboard until there's some sort of clarity and direction about our club. Those players were pitiful tonight. Lost without a system and lacking talent. There was not even the passion. Even they are over it. Ashamed of this whole shower.

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wairey added 22:59 - Jan 17 Sure, freak results happen in the FA cup, and I would have accepted that. What I can't accept is how we were completely outclassed man for man by a National League side! Well done Lincoln, you deserved that.
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munstermanagement added 23:00 - Jan 17 Pathetic as it is but I'm sitting here at Finsbury Park weeping here, what's happened to us?
3

jonnysuave added 23:00 - Jan 17 The players seemed so scared. It's like they know they were going to be rubbish and their legs couldn't help themselves be anything but. Emmanuel looked like he would give it a go but he was pretty much on his own. That was awful, I've been humiliated before (one of my ex-wives got the most awful revenge) but that was as bad as its been. Pub tomorrow 11.00am, dark glasses, on my own speak to no-one. It worked last time.

4

Suffolk_n_Good added 23:00 - Jan 17 Europablue the problem with sitting on the fence is you end up with splinters in your ar**!!!! Do the decent thing my friend, jump off the fence, jump into the side where you will be given a warm welcome from many like minded Town fans who want a fresh face at the helm!!
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wychyblue added 23:01 - Jan 17 I think 3-5-2 can be a good formation , look at Chelsea. But they have a manager who knows how to play it and get the right personnel . . On tonight's evidence we have neither!!! . Instead we played 5-2-2-1 ish. We lost about 90% of all headers to an effective physical team but still ended up booting it long aimlessly . They knew how they wanted to play , get it wide and put crosses in . Pretty clueless tonight but seem to have said that for months and months . It's repetitive and boring . Who signed Best / Knudsen / Douglas /digby / Berra etc , not to mention Larson Toure , Giles Coke , John Alobi , Banyer etc etc . The list of awful signings goes on and on . Would you trust this man with money let alone show them how to play

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LordMamu added 23:01 - Jan 17 "They're a good team Lincoln..." wait to hear it from the plum - good god how much longer must we put up with this plum?
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blockb_steward added 23:01 - Jan 17 This has to be down there with the 9-0 drubbing at Old Trafford. Could not string two passes together all game...Infeel sorry for the 1,100 who wasted their hard earned cash on that dross (even though it was on to) and won't be back in Blighty (Suffolk) until the early hours. Well done Lincoln, I do still love the romance of the cup...
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hugster added 23:02 - Jan 17 When my 11 year old saw the team he immediately said we've no chance with Best and Douglas playing. They both offer nothing at all, and Knudson is a very poor player it is a real shame that Kenlock is injured. If we're going to play those two what's the point? Why not play a couple of our youngsters eg: Morris, they would learn a lot from the game. It is also very worrying how poor both Sears and Ward are playing at the moment, this must be a confidence issue as they are both good players. We were truly awful, at half time the commentators said "Ipswich can't play that badly in the second half." Oh wait, yes we can.

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toxtethblue added 23:02 - Jan 17 I live in Liverpool so can't do anything about this mess. Im counting on you guys, dont just sit there, do something! If hes still here on saturday, protest!!
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Kingfisher49 added 23:03 - Jan 17 And the Norwich supporters think they have a useless manager, well join the club because so have Ipswich.
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muhrensweet4thijssen added 23:03 - Jan 17 Europablue.. Spot on. Sacking McCarthy would be easy compared to finding a replacement to play football we all want to see with no or little investment . Please throw in your suggestions? Magilton? Well he would rather set himself on fire than work for Evans. Evans would also rather eat his own sh1t than admit he was wrong to get rid of him in first place. Shearer??? Giggs??? Rowett??? Are we living in dream land??? Hang on what about redknapp?? He is mates with Evans wow that would actually be amazing

4

blockb_steward added 23:03 - Jan 17 blockb_steward added 23:01 - Jan 17 This has to be down there with the 9-0 drubbing at Old Trafford. Could not string two passes together all game...I feel sorry for the 1,100 who wasted their hard earned cash on that dross (even though it was on tv) and won't be back in Blighty (Suffolk) until the early hours. Well done Lincoln, I do still love the romance of the cup...

2

Kirbmeister added 23:04 - Jan 17 After 5 mins I could see the writing on the wall and bet a couple of quid on a draw halftime and Lincoln to win full time. Won £14 by betting on my team to lose to a non league side - says it all.
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runaround added 23:04 - Jan 17 So much for a corner being turned on Saturday! That was pathetic & embarrassing from ITFC. Lincoln totally outplayed us in both matches & tonight we seemed scared of them. Mick brought back his proper blokes presumably for their experience but they did nothing & young Emmanuel was the only outfielder to play well. The club has let the fans down too often over the last year but tonight is the lowest of the low. I just can't see how club under Mick can recover from this & honestly don't believe they should. Change is needed NOW! The fans are the club & deserves a team to be proud off, club has 20 matches to try & give us some hope for the future. I decided a while ago that I will take next year off from having a season ticket as I just don't enjoy it anymore. Saturday made me wonder if I was being hasty, tonight proves I wasn't! Ipswich till I die but I've had enough. McCarthy out, proper blokes out

8

Kirbmeister added 23:04 - Jan 17 After 5 mins I could see the writing on the wall and bet a couple of quid on a draw halftime and Lincoln to win full time. Won £14 by betting on my team to lose to a non league side - says it all.
2

BrettenhamBlue added 23:04 - Jan 17 I remember Nathan Arnold from his Cambridge Utd days. We made him look like Lionel Messi. And Matthew Rhead dominated our back line. Defence couldn't cope with his strength, stamina and fitness levels. What was our formation even? 5 at back and still couldn't cope. Disgrace.
3

Bert added 23:05 - Jan 17 So, Evans sacks MM or MM walks and then what ? A breath of fresh air and a new broom perhaps for a few weeks but with no money to back a new manager. I cannot see much happening except a right old clear out at the end of the season and we rebuild. It has been worse under Keane and others so it may be a good night for all the Lemmings on here and the verbal non attenders but didn't we play rather well on Saturday with no noise from anyone ? Just shows how unrepresentative and irrational this site is and how many armchair critics there are. Respect however for those who put together a rational argument for MM to go.

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62WasBest added 23:07 - Jan 17 Suffolk_n_Good - I see you use the old badge as your avatar, the one before the corporate stylists did a makeover. I'm pleased they changed it now because it would be insulting if any of the today's players were wearing the old badge.
5

Spanishblueblood added 23:08 - Jan 17 Where's the likes of Cheshire and swn (essex57) back that, go on, i dare ya!
3

TractorBeezer added 23:08 - Jan 17 At last I am going to say that it is time for MM to go. MM set up to stop Lincoln rather than to play and win and didn't put out his strongest team. Our midfield ineffective and there was little punch up front. Ball given away too much....even from throw ins. MM ....someone should take Knudsen for an hour on he training ground to throw balls to his own players. I could continue. Congrats to Lincoln...you deserved it...both games. Ashamed and embarrassed.

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haircut101 added 23:11 - Jan 17 Utter incompetence all over the pitch. What the f*** do they do in training all week? As big T Butcher said -it was a disgrace. Macarthy is responsible for team selection, coaching,tactics and MOTIVATION. HE MUST GO NOW!
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cranky_old_tractor added 23:12 - Jan 17 One word - sh!te Wonderful club. Woeful management. Waisting supporters time and money FFS change this dire situation....make Ipswich great again
6

BrettenhamBlue added 23:12 - Jan 17 We just lost 250K in potential transfer funds.
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