Pools Reserves edged a fierce encounter with Lincoln City to move within two points of Sheffield United at the top of the Pontins Holidays League table.

Ian Butterworth's men were quick out of the blocks and looked dangerous going forward, culminating in a nicely worked goal by Stephen Turnbull to open the scoring.

Matty Robson clipped the ball in to the box for Turnbull who timed his run well to evade the offside trap before calmly taking a touch and side-footing the ball home.

The second goal wasn't long in coming and it was all down to some tenacious play by Michael Mackay who seized on some indecision in the Imps rearguard, beat the keeper to the ball and skipped away to slot in from a tight angle.

However, Pools saw their advantage cut on the stroke of half time when Lincoln pulled a goal back and the second half was a much more competitive affair.

Tackles were flying in on a bobbly pitch and the game threatened at times to bubble over with the referee doing little to help matters with some inconsistent officiating.

Butterworth's side restored their two-goal lead when a ball in to the box found Michael Rae who appealed for a penalty after being bundled over - play was waved on when many expected a spot-kick and Tom Haigh crept in at the far post to nod home and make it 3-1.

A frantic finale was guaranteed when City pulled another one back close to the end but Pools hung on to keep up the pace at the top of the table.

Full Time: Lincoln City 2 Pools 3