Lincolnshire lead by 123 at the close of day two in Bedford

Having hit 257 and reduced Bedfordshire to 33 for three, Lincolnshire let the advantage slip on the second day of their Minor Counties Championship game at Bedford.

The home side resumed with a fourth wicket partnership of 86 between D Roberts and A Shankar (35) which was followed by a stand of 131 between Roberts and wicketkeeper Knott.

Knott fell to a catch behind off Martyn Dobson for 64 and Beds declared after 89 overs with their score on 277 for five, Roberts unbeaten on 120 and Dobson with four for 89 off 31 overs.

Lincs suffered an early blow when Duncan Heath was bowled by Shaun Rashid for 10 and the opening bowler went on to take three for 33 off 13 overs, including the wickets of Richard Howitt for 22 and Dobson for only one run.

Simon Webb hit a useful 32 but at the close, Lincs had been reduced to 143 for six, with Mark Fell and Oliver Burford batting, Fell on 23.

This gives Lincs a lead of only 123 and Fell will be looking to occupy the crease for a good part of the final day.