Rob Clare declared himself fit for County's crucial promotion clash against The Red Imps.

The former England Under-20 skipper was stretchered off during last Saturday's defeat at Torquay after taking a knock on his Achilles.

But despite the spot still being extremely sore he was determined to continue at right back.

The news about Tes Bramble wasn't as good. Both players started at Painmoor but both failed to shake off knocks.

Tony Dinning came into midfield with Liam Dickinson chosen to partner Anthony Elding in attack.

With Adam Le Fondre ill Michael Malcolm, who scored against Lincoln at Edgeley Park earlier in the season, was given a place on the bench.

County were fist to threaten when Lee Beevers handled on the edge of the box. The defender was yellow-carded but Anthony Pilkington hit the free kick at the wall.

Two minutes later a similar incident at the other end. Ashley Williams handled. He didn't pick up the card but the outcome was the same. A poorly worked free kick.

The game was largely being played in midfield but the Haters came close to breaking the deadlock on 14 minutes.

Pilkington's ball down the channel released Dickinson who crossed from the right. Alan Marriott didn't look too convincing as he dived to punch clear. Dinning picked up the ball and, after a one-two with David Poole, hit a low drive from the edge of the box that Marriott turned round the post.

Lincoln responded with a flashing header from Jamie Forrester. The ball was heading towards the top corner until Wayne Hennessey dived and tipped it over.

The Red Imps had another chance on 25 minutes but Scott Kerr didn't get enough on his shot to trouble Hennessey.

The game burst into life just after the half hour when Dickinson clashed with Nat Brown. The players appeared to lean their heads into each other and Mr Hill, the referee, brandished two red cards.

Four minutes later Elding and Pilkington combined to set up a near-post chance for Poole that brought a brave save from Marriott.

Peter Holmes then caused problems for the County defence with a low cross-shot from the left. Williams did well to block the ball before Jason Taylor cleared.

County hit back immediately when Elding got the better of Paul Green but couldn't pick out Pilkington who had made a good run to the front post.

The half finished with an Elding header that lacked enough power to trouble Marriott.

Half-time: Lincoln 0 County 0

The second period started with a speculative effort from Taylor that was blocked by the Imps defence.

Ten minutes in crosses from the left and then the right caused problems for County until Dinning headed the ball over his own bar. The corner came to nothing.

A minute later Pilkington elected to shoot from the corner of the box. With three Blue shirts in the penalty area he might have been better crossing the ball.

The deadlock was almost broken on 68 minutes when Marriott missed Griffin's in-swinging corner but Kerr came to his 'keeper's rescue when he headed clear off the goalline.

Almost immediately Taylor made a great run forward but Elding's pass took him away from goal.

Lincoln sub Junior Mendes set up a chance on 72 minutes with a clever back heel to give Peter Holmes a shooting chance. Hennessey spilled the shot but gathered the ball at the second attempt.

Holmes had another chance on 79 minutes when Nicky Eaden crossed from the right. His diving header was off target, though.

Two minutes from time a brilliant cross from Adam Proudlock looked to have set up an easy chance for Elding but Peter Mayo popped up with a brilliant defensive header to concede a corner.

This time Marriott made a good catch from Griffin's flag-kick.