Lincoln Preview

The Manager

Star Player

Past Positions

Past Meetings

The last time the two sides actually met in a competitive match was way back in the 1989/1990 season in division four, when the two sides met at Blundell Park in front of an 11,000 plus crowd. With Town riding high in second place and Alan Buckley winning manager of the month award, everyone was expecting Town to record a comprehensive victory. But, mid table Lincoln were much tougher than expected and Town scraped the three points courtesy of a Dave Gilbert penalty. Town went on to finish runners up to Exeter that season with Lincoln down in 10th position.

Town Team: Sherwood, McDermott, Agnew, Tillson, Lever, Jobling, Childs, Cockerill, Gilbert, Rees, Birtles.

More recently, in Lincolnshire Cup ties and friendlies, Town have been the more victorious. A 2-0 win in the 1999/2000 Pre Season at Sincil Bank with Stacy Coldicott and Bradley Allen scoring gave Town their last victory over the Imps. While last year's pre season ended in a 1-1 draw with Michael Jeffrey playing his first ever Town game.

Lincoln Head-to-Head (23rd on The Opposition Ladder).

Hopes For This Season

Opinions are divided on Lincoln's realistic aim. Many fans would be satisfied with a solid mid table place, after last years relegation battle, but many critics believe that a play off place is possible. This depends almost entirely on how many goals the Imps score. With only 2 real quality strikers at the club (Lee Thorpe and Tony Battersby), the Imps need added firepower if they are to sustain any challenge.

Elsewhere, they have one of the best midfields in the division with Peter Gain and Kingsley Black (now playing on the right) on the wing with John Finnigan and ex Scunny player Justin Walker in the middle. While the likes of Stuart Bimson, Grant Brown, Steve Holmes and Paul Morgan, they should prove a competent enough backline. But with money there if needed, Buckley will not be afraid to spend it, and a move for any of Towns forwards is likely is on the cards! Realistically, the Imps will be flirting with the play offs and will probably just miss out, which would not be a bad thing after having to adapt a new board, a new manager, new players and a new style of play.

Ins/Outs

Visitors Injury List

Midfielder Justin Walker is a doubt after missing the first two games, so if declared un fit then transfer listed Ben Sedgemore will retain his place. Elsewhere the Imps are virtually injury free, with only veteran Grant Brown on the sidelines after having a successful operation.

Prediction For Game

Well, with the return of Buckley, Buckley jr., Alexander and Black there is no shortage of rivalry between the clubs. After declaring he will play his best team, Lennie Lawrence will expect no less than a victory. But with Buckley out to spoil the party, Towns good form could well be ruined. However, having full faith in Towns ability, we'll go for 2-1 to the Town after going 1-0 down.

Fishy prediction: 2-1 to the Town.

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