The reserves drew 2-2 with Leeds United's second string at Ashby Avenue in the Pontin's Holidays League Division One East this evening.

In an open and often frenzied game City went into the interval 2-1 up thanks to goals from Gary King and Nat Brown, his second in successive reserve fixtures.

After half-time Leeds were a more consistent force, limiting City to one or two forays into their territory. They eventually got a deserved equaliser through substitute Stefan Connor.

It was a fast and furious start to the game with neither side able to hold onto the ball for any length of time. Leeds, fielding a team largely made up of under 18s, were looking to pass it through their midfield but Lincoln's own midfield trio weren't allowing them any time on the ball. Lining up 4-5-1 with the flexibility to become a 4-3-3, Lincoln closed the visitors down well but Leeds pacey attack always looked a threat.

Despite neither team able to retain possession it was Leeds who created the first clear cut opportunity and scored from it. An Ollie Hotchkiss corner allowed defender Andrew Milne stoop at the near post to head past Imps' 'keeper Ayden Duffy.

While Lincoln wouldn't have wanted to go behind it spurred their attack into life. With the midfield now starting to exert themselves over their United counterparts, they were making some progress down the right flank. Leeds left back Simon Madden was often outnumbered with Gary King pulling wide right supported by the midfield and Imps full back Jamie McCormack, Lincoln were building some momentum.

Lincoln's first shot came soon after 12 minutes following a swift counter attack. Leeds' progress was halted just inside the Lincoln half and the ball was quickly switched to Ollie Ryan who ran at the Leeds defence before striking over from 20 yards.

With Lincoln now in the ascendancy Grant Brown's men had three set pieces in quick succession. Two corners were wasted before a free kick from midway inside the Leeds half nearly got Ryan in but Leeds cleared their lines.

Lincoln didn't have to wait long for their equaliser. Just after the 20-minute mark Martin Pembleton won the ball off Madden and centred for danger man Gary King. He shifted the ball across the 18 yard line onto his weaker left foot and drove a low shot past United 'keeper Alan Martin to make it 1-1. Martin did well to get a hand to it but King had hit it early giving the 'keeper little chance.

Straight from the restart Lincoln threatened again and could have made it 2-1 lead. Ryan had the shot after Leeds had been dispossessed in their own half but it was too close to the keeper.

City's second string were enjoying most of the possession but it Leeds who created the next opportunity. The midfield were at fault for once, sacrificing possession and not tracking back as Joshua Faulkingham broke from the middle of the park. He shot from just inside Lincoln's penalty area. Luckily for the Imps he dragged his shot wide.

Lincoln responded with King winning a series of headers down the right and the midfield battling to prevent Leeds picking their passes. It was one of King's flicks that allowed Lincoln to get in a deep cross, with James Cooper winning a corner on the left hand side. Pembleton took the corner and Nat Brown got across his marker to score with his head after half an hour's play.

Leeds still looked dangerous when given time on the ball and Scot Gardner went on a terrific run down Lincoln's right, ghosting past three defenders cutting in and forcing a good save from Duffy low down to his right.

Although susceptible to counter attacks Lincoln were good value for their lead and King nearly extended the scoring from a free kick 20 yards out just before half time. With the Leeds' 'keeper rooted the ball flashed dangerously past his right hand post as the second half came to a close.

HT: IMPS RES 2 LEEDS UNITED RES 1

While City's Reserves would be pleased by both score line and performance at the interval, Leeds obviously had some work to do and started the second half holding a higher line. Leeds also replaced Chris Ovington with Stefan Connor who, although not as quick as the diminutive striker, offered more of a physical presence.

City's reserves were under pressure from the kick off with Leeds immediately committing more men to their attacks. Lincoln's defence stood firm forcing Leeds to work hard for their opportunities. Their first of the half came after a one-two between Gardner and Elliott with the shot straight at Duffy.

Despite being under pressure Lincoln managed to fashion their own attack from which they should have scored. A great run and cross by McCormack found goal scorer King unmarked but he couldn't connect and the ball went out harmlessly for a goal kick.

City were soon ruing that missed opportunity as Leeds scored after 17 minutes of the second half. Gardner went on another superb weaving run and found substitute Stefan Connor who finished clinically from just inside the penalty area.

Although Leeds were enjoying the lions share of possession it was difficult for either side to find any rhythm with stoppages for injury and substitutions not helping. Leeds were creating more chances with Faulkingham forcing a great save from Duffy.

With Leeds already having made two changes Lincoln waited until the midway point of the second half before making any substitutions. Jack Roberts came on to replace James Cooper, slotting into midfield with Pembleton pushing out to a wider position.

Despite the change it was Leeds who continued to attack. A three man move involving the influential Gardner, Tom Elliott and Stefan Connor saw the latter handed a shooting opportunity but Duffy came out well to block and the Imps' defenders reacted quickest to clear.

Entering the final 15 minutes Lincoln were limited to opportunities from set pieces but the delivery wasn't good enough. Two more substitutions interrupted play and neither City reserves nor the visitors could grab a winner.

Leeds had the final opportunity but Elliott's headed was comfortably cleared off the line.

With City shading the first half and Leeds the second, the 2-2 draw was a fair result in a keenly contested match.

City res: Ayden Duffy, Jamie McCormack, Owain Warlow, Adie Moses, Nat Brown, Alex Morfaw, Jack McGovern, Martin Pembleton, Gary King, Ollie Ryan, James Cooper.

Subs: Tom Garrick, Richard Bredice, Liam Bull, Jack Roberts, Chris Bond

Leeds res: Alan Martin, Liam Darville, Simon Madden, Oliver Hotchkiss, Ross Wilkinson, Andrew Milne, Scott Gardner, Joshua Faulkingham, Tom Elliott, Chris Ovington, Chris Fisher.

Subs: Sam Jerome, Matthew Edwards, Lee Booth, Will Hatfield, Stefan Connor.