ROBBIE GOTTS’ comical own goal spared Frankie Okoronkwo’s blushes as Lincoln beat Doncaster to go second.
The on-loan ace grabbed the opener and then produced a miss of the season contender before Brandon Hanlan’s equaliser.
Frankie Okoronkwo had an open goal to aim for during Lincoln’s win against DoncasterCredit: Sky Sports News
But the loanee somehow missed the targetCredit: Sky Sports News
But unlucky Gotts, who had a stint on loan at Sincil Bank in 2020/21, inadvertently spared his blushes as immediately replied to move level on points with leaders Stockport.
Okoronkwo said: “I made it tough for the team, but we dug in and three points is three points.
“I’ve not had as many league minutes as I’ve wanted, so it’s just my sharpness and I’ll get that through playing.
“Getting the chances is the main thing. As long as I’m getting in those positions.
“Whenever a full-back or winger has the ball, I just have to make sure I get myself in the box and in a position where I feel like I’m going to score and just stay optimistic.”
Lincoln had Sonny Bradley to thank for not falling behind. The defender initially handed the visitors a gift with an ill-judged backpass that allowed Owen Bailey to nip in and round keeper George Wickens.
He unselfishly laid it back to the usually deadly to pull the trigger but Bradley brilliantly recovered to head off the line.
That scare proved to be the kick up the backside ’s men needed and they broke the deadlock as Okoronkwo expertly nodded past Thimothee Lo-Tutala from skipper Tendayi Darikwa’s cross.
After waiting 14 games to get off the mark, that was the second goal in the space of four days for the 21-year-old.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Donny, especially for their 1,693 strong travelling support, who have now seen Grant McCann’s side collect just two points from nine games.
Veteran Sharp, now one of just four men to make 700 league appearance, a milestone he achieved 21 years and two days after his first for Sheffield United against Watford, made way for Hanlan as the visitors desperately tried to draw level and he did not take long to make an impact.
Luke Molyneux’s fierce 25-yard drive had already forced Wickens into a spectacular diving stop but the goalie could do nothing to stop the sub Hanlan from slotting home.
By that point the game should have been done only for Okoronkwo to somehow shoot wide with an open goal to aim at from Bradley’s pullback.
But he and Lincoln got out of jail within a minute of being pulled back as Ben House’s shot was saved by Lo-Tutala but ricocheted in off the unfortunate Gotts.
Frustrated , booked late on, said: “We were passing the ball well, creating opportunities, and then we concede an absolutely horrendous goal from a long throw. Really, really basic stuff. It’s a comedy show.”
