Missed chances equalled frustration. A missed opportunity bred disappointment.
Sunderland left Lincoln with a strong sense of what could have been. In a match they dominated, they were unable to find a finish and were held to a goalless draw.
The post denied Corry Evans, Jack Clarke sent three chances narrowly wide, and only a stunning save prevented Ross Stewart scoring an injury-time winner. And on a day when play-off rivals Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Wycombe Wanderers all dropped points, Sunderland were unable to take advantage and press their case for a top six finish.