WALSALL strengthened their grip on the Second Division’s automatic promotion spot with this victory and by virtue of Manchester City’s unexpected defeat by Wycombe.

The results mean the Midlands club need only two points from three games to move up into the First Division. This time last season these teams were also involved in relegation and promotion conflicts – only the roles were reversed.

While Lincoln were seeking promotion to the Second Division – which they achieved – Walsall were scrambling to stay in it. They succeeded but by only two places.

However, a remarkable improvement under new manager Ray Graydon brought the Midlands club into this match ahead of Manchester City and Preston, the division’s most renowned clubs.

Despite being 21 places higher in the table, Walsall spent the first half-hour on the back foot, although the only serious danger Lincoln offered was a fifth-minute header into the net by Gavin Gordon ruled offside.

Despite Lincoln’s greater possession, the highlight of the session was played out in their own goalmouth. Walsall’s Darren Wrack drove in a shot that cannoned off Gordon and seemed certain to loop over John Vaughan until the goalkeeper jumped and stretched to turn the ball over the bar.

There were even fewer shooting opportunities in the second half with the dominant factor being the sodden pitch which the players clearly mistrusted.

It may have had something to do with the deciding goal in the 71st minute. Lincoln’s Steve Holmes failed to cut out Andy Rammell’s pass, which sent Wrack clear and he rounded Vaughan before slipping the ball into the empty net.