Lincoln City came out victorious in the Lincolnshire Derby this weekend, overcoming rivals Grimsby Town 1-0 at Sincil Bank.

The visitors gave a good account of themselves, but in the end they were undone by an early Harry Toffolo volley. They had their chances to peg the league leaders back, on-loan Sunderland midfielder Elliott Embleton scuffing a good effort wide.

Referee Mike Dean made himself the centre of attention with a flurry of yellow cards in a game that barely warranted them. He added to that with a red, one that Grimsby keeper James McKeown could have little argument about.

He felled the onrushing Danny Rowe, on loan from Ipswich Town and making his second Imps debut, to earn himself a red card. Grimsby were lucky not to go down to nine men ten minutes later as John Akinde was tugged back when through on goal.

It was a good afternoon for the Imps in the early kick off and one that saw them maintain their grip on the top spot in League Two. It was also an afternoon where we learned a few new lessons about Danny Cowley's squad, as we look at below.

Danny Rowe's versatility

Danny Rowe only re-joined the Imps in midweek from Ipswich Town, but he was thrown on as a second half sub and changed the game.

The Imps had struggled to get anyone aside John Akinde, but the former Macclesfield man showed the right amount of running and endeavour to offer a serious threat.

He's been seen as a winger at Sincil Bank, but his explosive pace now looks likely to be utilised in the ten role too.

Jason Shackell is replaceable

The former Derby County man found himself suspended for the visit of the Mariners, but he was ably deputised for by an impressive debutant in Cian Bolger.

Bolger arrived from Fleetwood on the same day as Rowe and he went straight into the starting XI. The Imps rarely looked in trouble at the back as Bolger quickly gelled with Michael Bostwick in the centre of defence.

Keeper issues run deep

Grant Smith returned to the starting line up for the Imps as regular stopper Josh Vickers dropped to the bench. Vickers is a top quality keeper at this level, but has struggled with fitness all season.

He missed most of the festive period, returning only for the cup match with Everton and the 2-2 draw with Swindon last weekend. Whilst his deputy is also a firm pair of hands, Imps' fans will be concerned over the long term prospects for Vickers.