Regan Poole gives Lincoln back-to-back wins as Bristol Rovers’ slide continues

Lincoln impressive home record continued with a 1-0 win over 10-man Bristol Rovers in Sky Bet League One.

Regan Poole’s first league goal of the season ensured the Imps’ maintained their impressive run of not losing at Sincil Bank so far this term.

Mark Kennedy’s side made it back-to-back league victories for just the second time this season as Joey Barton’s Rovers lost for a fourth game on the spin for the first time since the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

Rovers goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe produced a great save to tip Paudie O’Connor’s header over the bar.

But there was nothing the on-loan Brentford goalkeeper could do to stop Poole powering home a header from Jack Diamond’s cross in the 15th minute.

Balcombe ensured the deficit was just the one goal at the break with a double save to keep out Ed Bishop and Poole, before denying Ben House on the stroke of half-time.

The visitors’ Ryan Loft saw red for an apparent elbow on Imps’ stopper Carl Rushworth in the 42nd minute.

Anthony Evans free-kick forced Rushworth into a good save early in the second half.

John Marquis mistimed effort was kept out by Rushworth as time ran out for an equaliser.