A summer of decimation and restructuring for Milan

The new Serie A season is nearly upon us, but as a Milan fan I am not too sure I want it to start, following the upheaval and dismantling of the first team squad it doesn't feel like this side is anywhere near ready to compete this season.

We had the departures of the old players, the likes of Seedorf, Nesta, Gattuso and Inzaghi, all of these departures are perfectly understandable and some of them were on considerable wages. With the financial predicament that the Berlusconi family has fallen into it is no surprise that cut backs have been made, but the cut backs have been deep and severe.

I fully understand the need to make savings and the sale of Zlatan was no big loss or surprise to me, he was a guy earning over 200,000 euros a week and as he is now over 30 to receive an offer of over 20m for him was like a dream come true. The real blow to me was the saga of Thiago Silva, first he was off, then he would not leave and in fact signed a longer contract before a month later he had left for a fee believed to be around 45m, this is alot of money for a central defender but I was gutted, he is, for me, the best in the world in his position and the money received for him is slightly irrelevant as you cannot sign a replacement that even slightly compares to his ability.

And so far this window around 4m has been spent on players, some good signings have come in Montolivo and Pazzini stand out for me as good players, but there is a massive lack of quality throughout the squad. The starting eleven will be good enough to challenge for the title and get into the champions league spots, but the back up players just don't appear up to the task and as such we appear only one or two injuries/suspensions away from fielding a mid table side.

Sampdoria are first up against Milan at the San Siro this Sunday..the starting line up I would like to see is this:

Abbiati
Abate Mexes Zapata Antonini
Montolivo Nocerino Emmanuelson
Boateng Pazzini Robinho

No way near as strong as last seasons side but it has enough quality to be near the top. Pato will also return to the side soon after his Olympics break, I just hope his injury problems of last season are history as he will need to be a key player this season as we honestly don't have many options.

A final home game to forget

Last Saturday the Imps took on Hayes and Yeading in their final home game of the 2011-2012 Bonference Premier, a higher then average crowd of 2,585 turned out in the driving rain and thunder. Sadly like most matches this season the fans dedication was only rewarded with an inept and lifeless display from the Imps as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeated to now relegated Hayes.

My hopes were high going into this game that the side would be able to send the fans into pre-season happy that there is something to look forward to for next season, I am personally annoyed that it didn't happen. I am even more annoyed that I had aspirations of the club performing and the players earning their money, it just hasn't happened this season except for the odd freak result that has seen us get a few good score lines. But lets not forget these have been the exception and also against some of the worst sides I have seen play professional football.

The Imps lined up for this game with a surprise selection in Nialle Rodney partnering Jefferson Luis in attack. After the performance he showed I hope this has been his final outing in a Lincoln shirt, he spent most of the game offside and when he wasn't he did very little to impress the home crowd. I did think that in the first half the side did keep hold of possession fairly well and that a couple of good chances were carved out, but as we have seen so often we didn't take these chances and rued these later on when Hayes scored the only goal for the game from Piero Mingoa in the 60th minute.

Whilst I did find a few small positives form the first half I didn't see any in the second half. there was no shape or direction to the side. The substitutes made by Holdsworth further destroyed any chance the side had of getting anything form this game. Two youngsters in Robinson and Cobb came on in the place of Lloyd and Rodney. This then saw players playing out of position with Bore switching to the left flank, despite only being right sided, and Alan Power going wide on the right. This didn't work and made the side far too narrow and the midfield congested as both wide players were not comfortable in the positions they were playing.

Robinson was given man of the match for his 30 minute outing by the sponsors, this did amaze me, sure he played well and looked lively, but he did miss two good chances and was flagged offside too often. There is potential there but as of yet from this cameo I am not convinced. I hope he is given more of an outing next weekend against Ebbesfleet to show what he is capable of. Cobb on the other hand went about his game quietly and effectively, closing down and working hard in the centre of midfield. again I do hope that he is given more of a chance next week.

For me the man of the match was Gowling, he defended well and rarely lost anything in the air. As well as stepping forward when needed to cut out through balls and passes played into the feet of the opposition attack. I hope that both he and Miller will be our starting centre backs for next season, I still have doubts in both full back areas.

Joe Anyon picked up both the player of the year and the away player of the year before the match, he had another decent game and could take little blame for the goal that was conceded. I fear that this will be the last time Sincil Bank will see him pull on the Imps shirt, for me he was fully deserved of both of these awards, if he does depart the club in the summer I wouldn't blame him and I would wish him all of the best.

This was my last game of the season, and like the season that it has built up to it has been one to forget, I do struggle to see how we will be much better next season, yet another crucial pre-season is ahead of us, we need players who are capable of performing at the higher end of this league, this season we have signed players who are perennial relegation battlers, as a result it was no surprise we battled against relegation.

I will be renewing my season ticket this summer, I do hope that most of you do too, without the support of the fans and the money that comes from season ticket sales the quality of player we are able to attract is decreased.

It has not been a good season but, unlike the board, I am thankful to share the stands with the rest of the Imps faithful and believe the support has been fantastic despite what we have had to endure. I hope to see you all there again in August!

Final game at Sincil bank for 2011-2012

This Saturday sees the final home game of the Season for Lincoln City where they take on Hayes and Yeading at 3pm in the Conference Premier. A few weeks ago this was being billed as the deciding game of both Lincoln and Hayes seasons. Results have since declared this game as quite relevant, Lincoln are now thankfully safe from the relegation zone and Hayes are now all but relegated, unless they can win both remaining games and score over twenty goals, as well as hope that Newport lose their three remaining fixtures.

After another season of turmoil both on the pitch and off it we come to our final home game with nothing left to play for except to show the fans what the players and this team could be capable of next season. In the week it was announced that a new deal was agreed in principle for manager David Holdsworth to continue his work for next season. I will be eagerly awaiting to see how he approaches this pre season. I also hope that we don't have a massive turn around of players like we have had in the previous few years as this just sets the side back from the start.

Coming into this last home match the Imps managed to draw away from home to the champions Fleetwood Town, a brilliant and well earned result that gave the fans something to cheer this season, that result in affect was enough to keep us up this season.I wouldn't call it a 'wonderful achievement' thoguh like it was eluded on the official site this week by the manager. I will never be happy of our club to be just scraping by in non-league football.

With nothing left for the team to play for except league position or points I wouldn't  be surprised to see Holdsworth give some of the fringe players a chance, I would love some of the youth players to be involved in the squad, at least on the bench.

Hayes will come here knowing that they must win and score goals, but sadly I don't think they will have enough about them and I predict that we will win this final home game of the season 2-1.

I hope a few imps will turn out for this last game, and all home and away shirts are now on offer for just £10 in the club shop, which means that we may well have a decent kit for next season at least!

The Imps spoil Fleetwoods party

Lincoln City gained a very credible and nervous 2-2 draw away to Fleetwood Town on Friday night in the Conference Premier division. This draw delayed the home side the chance to pick up the league title in front of the live TV cameras and 4,511 fans at Highbury. 

The Imps came into this game knowing that they needed at most just three more points to guarantee their status in this division for next season. Not many, including myself, gave the imps much hope against top of the table and deserved leaders of the league Fleetwood town. As it turned out the result was enough after Saturdays league fixtures to secure both Lincolns survival and Fleetwoods crowning as champions this weekend.

The Imps started this game once more in their familiar 4-42 formation, with Lloyd and Bore starting the wide areas to showing some attacking intent from the start form Holdsworth. Sadly Tom Miller was injured in the warm up for this match and as a result Karlton Watson replaced him in the starting line up just before kick off, breaking up the back four for the first time since Miller signed.

It took City only eight minutes to take an unlikely but deserved lead through Jamie Taylor. His left footed shot went past Fleetwoods keeper Scott Davies with ease and this was the first sign that the Imps may well be able to cause a unlikely upset on this Friday the 13th fixture. In the 13th minute of the match Andy Mangan may count himself as a little lucky not to see a red card for a reckless and studs up challenge on Tyrone Thompson, he escaped with only a booking when replays suggested a red card could have easily been shown to the forward.

Fleetwood failed to take control of the game following the early goal from the imps and they were made to pay for a second time on 20 minutes when Jefferson Louis made the score 2-0 to the Imps. This second goal came from a John Nutter free kick that was curled in towards Louis at the front post who headed the ball home in front of a shocked Fleetwood crowd. No one would have dreamt of this start from the imps.

The imps impressive start to the match continued until just minutes from the half time whistle. whilst Fleetwood had spurned good chances I was hopefully that the imps could see out the first half with their clean sheet, this was ruined however when the leagues top scorer Jamie Vardy pulled a goal back after a scuffed shot landed at his feet following a superb save from Anyon, he smashed the ball into the roof of the net and gave the home fans something to cheer on their supposed night of promotion.

the second half kicked off with both sides unchanged. There was a sense thoguh that Fleetwood would be the more likely to attack and get the next goal in the match. Sadly it took only four minutes of the second half before the match was all level, a Gowling header back to Anyon was under hit and instead of coming out with his hands and claiming the ball he slid out feet first, his weak clearance was touched past him by Vardy who then smashed the ball in, leaving the home fans once more of dreaming of lifting the trophy.

At this point I feared that our great first half performance would be completely undone and that Fleetwood would go on and get a few more goals to seal the win. Luckily for the imps Fleetwood, whilst dominating the second half, couldn't find away to really break down the Imps back line and create a clear cut chance. As a result Anyon went the the remaining forty minutes keeping the Fleetwood attack at bay.

A brilliant result for the Imps, one which will be remembered. sadly it is also a show of how far the club has declined over the previous few years. Just twelve months ago we wouldn't dream of playing let along being second fiddle to Fleetwood Town. The lessons for the Imps were not only on the pitch on Friday thoguh, off the field Fleetwood have an incredibly rich owner who has invested into the club from the bottom up, improving the ground, facilities and the squad. I do fear that it will be a very long time before The Imps are in a similar position to be able to challenge for the solitary automatic promotion spot from this division.

At least we are now safe and can build for next season. Talks over a contract for Holdsworth are set to take place this week between the Board and the manager. He has kept us up when many of us were fearing the worse and relegation and even the very existence of our club if that event occurred.

Next season must be better for all involved in the club. We have learnt some very harsh lessons this season both on the filed and off the filed. Lets hope they have been learnt unlike last seasons and that this time next year we are in with a shout of the play off places.

Can the Imps delay the party?

This Friday the 13th the Imps will take on champions to be Fleetwood Town at the Highbury Stadium in a 7:30 kick off that will be shown live on Premier Sports. Fleetwood are in need of only one more victory to confirm their status as conference Champions 2011-2012 following on from their draw to nearest challengers Wrexham.

Fleetwood have been dominant this season and their last of only three defeats in the league this season came at home to Newport in October, when they lost 4-1. Since that result they have all but 5 games, which has given them 102 points before this match. Over twice as many as our current points total. Fleetwood have been so strong this season due to their attacking play, they have the leagues current top scorer in Jamie Vardy who has 29 league goals to date, unsurprisingly he was linked with several higher clubs in the January transfer window.

Vardy isn't their only source of goals though, with Andy Mangan scoring 21 so far, their wealth of attacking talent is certainly their main strength, their defensive record isn't actually too dissimilar to Lincoln's at home.

Lincoln will go to Fleetwood fully aware that their is no pressure or expectation on them to get a result, anything will be a bonus against a side that has been so dominant this season. This game will give the club an idea of the sort of level they need to be at both on and off the pitch to be able to challenge for promotion back into the football league in the coming seasons. the gulf between the two sides is huge at the moment and it will take a drastic improvement in all areas of the club to come anyway near to being in Fleetwoods position in the next few years.

The Imps will come into this game on the back of a confidence boosting 5-0 home win against Darlington. I am expecting Holdsworth to play the exact same starting eleven as he did in this last match. Continuity has been a major reason for me in our recent resurgence away from the relegation places. We do run the risk of a hammering and a football lesson, but we received one of those to lowly Stockport before the victory over Darlington.

Sadly I am going to predict a defeat for the Imps, but I do think we will have a go and make it tough for Fleetwood, a 2-0 defeat. the one upside of this is that the Imps may get to see a side lift a trophy and fully realise how good it would be to be able to do this next season. With this game being live on TV I expect a few Imps fans to be in the pubs of Lincoln for the rare opportunity to watch thier club on the big screen. I am unaware if the Club are showing the game, they should be....after all, it is Lincoln City!

An Easter weekend of highs and lows for an Imps fan

What a contrast in the two fixtures Lincoln were involved in over the Easter bank holiday weekend. On Saturday the Imps travelled to Stockport, and at Stockport the travelling fans saw a performance that made virtually everyone fear that we would be going down. We were soundly beaten by four goals to nil. The four goals came from firstly Hattersley in the sixth minute, followed by two goals from Rowe in the 11th and 55th Minutes before the final goal was scored by Darkwah in the final minutes of the game.

This game saw Lincoln play the same back line as they had since Miller had signed, but where as the previous four games had seen us appear tough to beat it was all too easy for Stockport and they tore us apart. It was worryingly that we appeared to have reverted to our previous defensive short comings of gifting opposing players easy chances. This side had Nicolau and Sheridan in the wide midfield areas, both are hard workers who support their full backs but lack the creativity to really pose a consistent threat going forward. Laurent began the game alongside Jefferson Louis in attack, but had a terrible and rather hopeless first half. He was subsequently replaced at half time by McCammon.

The Stockport match was one to forget, fears of relegation rose again following this limp and lifeless display from the imps. 279 imps fans travelled and were not rewarded at all once again for their on going loyalty and support.

Thankfully the Easter Monday fixture at Sincil bank was a far better affair, the imps running out easy five goal winners over Darlington who are now doomed to relegation from the Conference Premier. This game saw a stark contrast to the match just two days previous. Lincoln were four nil up by half time and Darlington had had Paul Johnson sent off just before half time. Both Danny Lloyd and Jefferson Louis scored two goals a piece with Jamie Taylor scoring the other goal.

The imps were good for their goals and Taylor will be disappointed to not have added to his solitary strike in this match. For this match the imps began with Bore and Lloyd in the wide areas, I feel that both of these players give the side a far more attacking intent and also give natural width and can stretch the opposition defences and both wingers are more then capable of going round the outside of fullbacks and getting crosses into the box.

This superb performance has given the fans the chance to forget about the Stockport debacle and hope that it was a one off. The side has certainly become stronger over the past five or six matches, Saturday aside, and the signs of improvement are definitely something for us fans to grasp hold of in the hope that next season we will be up in the right end of the league table.

The imps take on Fleetwood this Friday evening live on Premier Sports, if anywhere has it. This will be a very very hard game for the imps and I don't think any but the eternal optimists are expecting anything but defeat. It will be good to see just how far behind we are a side that is challenging to get back into the football league.

Crucial away day at Stockport for the Imps

This Saturday Lincoln City travel to the outskirts of Manchester to take on Stockport County at Edgeley Park. Stockport were relegated from the football league last season along with the Imps and like the imps they have found it incredibly hard to adjust to life in non-league football. Stockport are only one place above the relegation places with a four point cushion over Hayes and Yeading.

This game is highly important for the Imps with regards to survival for this season. For me this is a case of we must not lose, I would take a draw as it would keep Stockport below us in the table. If we lose then they will leap frog us and have two points over ourselves. We have shown over the last four games that we are more reliable at the back and I hope that this will continue into this game. Our three game winning run has given us breathing space but should we lose this game the confidence we have built up will ebb away, and we will be right back in the relegation dog fight with crucial games coming up in quick succession.

Stockport have won their last two games beating Bath 4-0at home and then most lately beating Kettering 3-1 away from home last weekend. There is no doubt that they will be full of confidence like we were and will be looking at Lincoln as a side they can beat. Like so many teams at the bottom of this table Stockport have struggled to score goals, scoring only two more then ourselves, their main centre forward Elliott has scored only 7 goals all season.

Lincoln come into this game with a few injuries, Bore, McCammon and Pacquette will all be running it close to be fit enough to feature in this game. Holdsworth will have to take the decision with two games over Easter weekend whether it is worth taking the risk on some if not all of these players. I would expect the Lincoln defence to be the same as it has been for the past few games and remain unchanged. The consistent selection of a settled back four has certainly aided Lincolns quest for survival.

Further forward I would expect Taylor to keep his place in attack, but question marks must be raised over Louis' poor performance against Cambridge. It will be interesting to see whether Laurent will get the nod ahead of him in attack. I would expect the same midfield unless Bore is fit to return to the flank. I feel he give some natural width and pace down the right which is lacking when Sheridans deployed there instead as he drifts infield which tends to clog up the middle of the pitch and he doesn't have the pace to go around full backs in the manner of a more traditional winger.

This is a another big game for the Imps, like most of the run in will be now. I think Stockport will be full of confidence following their last tow results. but I have to go with a draw for this game, 1-1. we look a lot stronger at the back and if we can create chances then I feel that Taylor will score.

A narrow defeat to Cambridge ends the Imps winning run

Cambridge United beat Lincoln City by one goal last night in the Conference Premier to end a three match winning run. 1,978 fans turn out at the Bank last night in the rain to see what they hoped would be an unthinkable fourth win in a row. 171 of these fans made the trip from Cambridge in hope that their side would win their first game in five and keep alive the narrow chance that they have to make a late break into the play-offs.

Lincoln lined up for this game in their now familiar 4-4-2 formation, Nicolau came in for the injured Bore, this change saw Sheridan switch to the right side of midfield. Jamie Taylor who impressed as a substitute was handed a start along side Jefferson Louis. Laurent returned to the bench which was composed of three wingers a goal keeper and centre back Karlton Watson.

The game started in light rain and with Lincoln attacking towards the Bridge McFarlane stand. Linconl started the brighter with the first effort of the game coming from Sheridan, his effort was a comfortable save for Cambridge goal keeper Naisbitt. the game ebbed and flowed with little real goal mouth action, Tom Millers long throws always looked to cause a threat to the Cambridge defence. It was one of his throws that lead to a penalty appeal by the imps, his throw was only cleared to Nicolau who fired the ball back in, seemingly off a Cambridge arm, but referee Jeremy Simpson was unmoved and the game played on.

The imps then had a Josh Gowling goal ruled out for offside, this came after Sheridan had a shot saved and palmed into the defenders path. celebrations were cut short as the linesman's flag had already gone up before Gowling had touched the ball into the net. It took nearly the whole of the first half before the first corner was awarded, to Cambridge. the corner was cleared off the line at the far post by Robson to keep the scores as they started when the half time whistle blew.

As the sides re-emerged into the April rain Cambridge made the first change of the match with Hudson replacing Wylde in defence. It was Cambridge who imposed themselves as the side more likely to break the dead lock  and that occurred after only three minutes. Tom Shaw finished off a great run by Pell from the half way line by finishing past Anyon twelve yards from goal.

The Imps looked to get a quick reply through Taylor, but his effort was blocked before getting near the goal. Holdsworth then decided to make two changes in search of the equalising goal. Taylor and Nicolau were replaced by wingers Laurent and Lloyd. Sadly Laurent didn't seem to have a clue where he was meant to be playing and as such he seemed to run around all over the pitch, limiting the effectiveness I felt he would of had, had he played in his natural position as a wide man.

The Imps provided some pressure, once again mainly from long throws by Miller. Miller for me has been the best signing under Holdsworth, despite this being only his fourth game he has shown his defence abilities superbly. He reads the game well and I can't think of one missed interception or tackle. He also shows excellent composure and so far has been unflappable with the ball at his feet even when under pressure. If he can remain injury free I would love for him to be here next season as both he and Gowling seem to have a good understanding at the back and have made our defence stronger and much calmer.

As the game wore on it looked increasingly likely that the Imps wouldn't be able to get the crucial equalising goal, Louis had a very poor second half and nearly every ball played to him was is controlled or simply bounced away off him to a Cambridge player. as such I was both surprised and annoyed that he remained on the pitch when Rodney came off the bench, instead it was Sheridan who made way with just over ten minutes to play.

Sadly in those final ten minutes I cant remember the imps forcing a save from the opposing keeper. This despite large amounts of possession in the attacking third. Gowling did clip the top of the bar with a header from a Power corner. Power then had the last chance of the match, but his left footed effort from the edge of the box was palmed away. The final score was 1-0 to Cambridge.

It was difficult to say that Lincoln deserved to lose this game, I felt a draw was a fairer reflection of the game, but sadly we never really looked like scoring. Louis was very poor ad a lack of an other centre forward on the bench did baffle me, unless both Pacquette and McCammon are injured, which I will be honest and say I am unsure about.

We looked, like we have done since Miller came in a lot stronger and organised at the back, no more embarrassing mistakes are being made and I always feel a side should build from the back, we just need to start scoring goals and for me that comes from far better service, which was disappointing last night from the wide areas in particular.

A narrow defeat it was, but it wasn't a step back in my opinion, there were positives to take out of the game, we weren't bossed by a higher placed team, we just lacked that cutting edge, creativity and bit of luck to get an equalising goal. I am not downhearted after this game, nine points form the last four games is a great turn around.

But we have two games in quick succession this weekend. If we can pick up points in both of those games then we should be able to put this season behind us and plan on building a side able to challenge in the top half of the league next year. I honestly don't think we are far off that, only a few new faces should be needed, I just hope Holdsworth doesn't go mad and sign another 30 players and set the development back to the level we were at when he came in.

Cambridge are up next for the Imps

Seventeenth placed Lincoln City will take on  eleventh placed Cambridge United at Sincil Bank in the conference Premier. Kick off will be at 7:45. The imps come into this game full of confidence after their recent run of games that has seen them maximum points in the space of a week, beating Newport, Hayes and Yeading to move them out of the relegation places and up to a relatively safe 17th in the table. Cambridge on the other hand lie in eleventh place and seemingly too far off of the play off places following a run of results that have consisted of just two wins in their last ten matches and six defeats.

In their last game Cambridge did attain a very good home draw to second placed Wrexham, but have had very indifferent form all season which has severely dented any hopes that they had of going up via the play offs this season. This is another former football league side that is struggling to win promotion from this highly contested and competitive division.

Cambridge will come into this game hoping to keep alive any hopes they have to sneak into the play offplaces, but they will know a win is needed a draw will not be of much use for them. Against Wrexham Cambridge deployed a 4-2-1-3 formation instead of the accustomed 4-5-1 that has been used most of the time this season. This change in tactics seemed to have worked with only a late goal denying them three points against Wrexham.

Midfielder Tom Shaw, who scored in the previous match, has had a successful season and will be relied upon to cause problems to the Lincoln defence. He has scored 6 goals in the league this season and is a joint top scorer for the side along side strikers Gash and Dunk. Cambridge have had a relatively settled squad all season, unlike ourselves, but their main problem has been scoring goals with only 47 so far this season.

Lincoln should have no further injuries and hopefully Bore, who was replaced at half time against Tamworth, will be fit enough to be in contention for a starting place. McCammon and Laurent who were both dropped form the squad following the win away to Alfreton could return, although it is unsure how serious McCammons injury has been. For me Jamie Taylor played himself into the starting eleven following his superb substitute appearance on Saturday.

The form of new signing Miller could well be an important part of this game, if he can continue how he has begun his Imps career then I think we will have a real chance of keeping a clean sheet again tonight.

I am going for a win, 2-1 to the imps. Cambridge have struggled to score goals of late and the confidence must be sky high in the imps dressing room following three wins on the bounce. I hope there will be a good crowd down at the Bank tonight and will get behind the team like they have for the past few games.

A win tonight and we can really begin to plan for another season in the Conference Premier.

Three wins in a row!

Lincoln city recorded their third win in a row in little over a week on Saturday by beating Tamworth by four goals to nil at Sincil Bank in front of 2,213 fans, of which 143 had travelled from Tamworth and must surely have been disappointed to see their side play so poorly throughout.

Lincoln lined up with Peter Bore returning to the right side of midfield following his injury that caused him to miss the previous fixture away to Hayes and Yeading, he replaced Francis Laurent who didn't make the bench. Ricahrd Pacquette was also picked ahead of McCammon who also failed to make the bench despite starting the previous match. Nialle Rodney was named on the bench despite not figuring in the match day squad for a number of games now.

The match started closely with little passing or play from either team until the seventh minute when Lincoln took the lead through the returning winger Bore touched home a cross that had bounced from Gowling to Louis before landing at his feet just eight yards out. This goal seemed to set the imps on their way and they never really looked back following this opening goal as the final scoreline suggests.

There was a change in attack for the imps after only 21 minutes with Richard Pacquette suffering what appeared to be a muscle injury, he was replaced by Jamie Taylor, himself sadly suffering from various through out this season, he will be very keen to get a decent run of matches until the end of the season to show the fans and the management what he may be capable of next season should he be kept on.

The second goal came from a Tom Miller long throw in the 30th minute of the match. His throw was not dealt with by Tamworth keeper Jonathan Hedge and Danny Thomas divert the ball into his own net under pressure from Bore. The Imps were finally showing the home fans a much needed good performance. And at half time the score was 2-0 to the Imps and it was a very comfortable one as well.

The second half kicked off with Danny Lloyd replacing Peter Bore, likely a precaution following his recent injury problems that have caused him to miss a few games. Lloyd played down the left causing Sheridan to switch to the right flank as the second half got under way.

Only minutes into the half the imps were awarded a penalty. Yet again a Miller long throw caused problems for the Tamworth defence as a lose ball played to Gowling caused him to lose his marker before he was hacked down by Charlie Collins. for me it was a stone wall penalty. Alan Power stepped up and smashed the ball straight down the middle to make it 3-0 and effectively game over as a contest.

The fourth and final goal came eight minutes from time, another own goal for Thomas. This time it was caused by a brilliant counter attack from the imps with Power charging down the right crossing theball towards Lloyd who was completely free down the left. His cross was intercepted by Thomas who could only manage to turn it into his won net and confounded a terrible day for Tamworth. Lincoln made a late change with only five minutes to go with Rodney replacing Sheridan on the wing.

The final whistle blew and the Imps were greeted by cheers and applause form the fans who have waited along time to see so many goals in a match not going in the wrong end. Tom Miller was named as man of the match by the sponsors and for once I fully agree with them. The stats after the game show that we only had one shot on target and only one shot off target. This is due to penalties, for some reason unbeknownst to me, are not counted as shots. And own goals are not recorded as anything on target or off target, as a defender can't shoot at his own goal.

A great week for the Imps all round. In the space of seven days the side has picked up nine points and moved to 17th in the table with a five point cushion over the relegation places. I think we can all agree that things are definitely looking up and who knows, if we continue to win games maybe the fans will come around to Holdsworth as manager for next season.

We play again tomorrow night at home to Cambridge, this is set to be a much sterner test but we can go into this full of confidence and goals.

Can the imps make it three in a row?

Lincoln City take on Tamworth this Saturday afternoon at Sincil Bank in the Conference Premier. Tamworth are currently in 16th place in the league with 46 points from their 40 games played. Lincoln have moved up to 18th place and five points clear of relegation following two wins in a row in less than a week.

Confidence is at its highest level all season at Sincil Bank, the last two results were the first time the imps have been able to attain two victories in a row all season. As they were against relegation rivals Newport and Hayes it has given both the players and the fans the belief that we will stay up and be a conference premier side next season.

Tamworth come into this game having not won in the league for nine games, strangely in those nine games they have only conceded 8 goals and have picked up five draws, three of which were 0-0. It is safe to say that Tamworths strength is their defence rather then their attack following their recent run of form. Despite their lack of goals they will look to Iyseden Christie for goals, he has netted 11 so far this season making him the clubs top scorer .

Sadly former Imp Patrick Kanyuka will not be playing at Sincil Bank this weekend as he was released from the Lambs a month ago, I am sure many Imps fans will be disappointed that they are unable to give him the reception he deserves after his dreadful spell at the end of last season. for me he is one of the worst footballers I have ever seen play the game professionally. Paul Green on the other hand should receive a good reception from the Imps faithful, the defender made over 100 appearances for the Imps in a four year spell before being released in the summer following relegation from the football league.

The Imps will have no further injury worries or suspensions from the previous game. It is doubtful that Peter Bore will be fit enough to return to the side after missing the 2-1 win away to Hayes and Yeading. As last week I wouldn't expect any drastic changes to the starting eleven and am hoping that Francis Laurent can continue to remain injury free for the few games that are left this season. Tom Miller has shown in his two games so far that he is a better defender then Williams and has impressed me so far, he comes with a history of injury problems so I hope he can remain injury free until the end of the season, otherwise it is doubtful he will be offered an extension to his stay in the summer following this season problems with injury prone players.

I am going to go for a Lincoln win and say 3-1. Tamworth struggle to score goals and we have been much improved in the last week. If we win this game tomorrow I would be 99% sure that we will stay up, the earlier we can confirm our survival the earlier we can begin to plan for next season.

what a difference a week has made, this time seven days ago the talk was of a protest, relegation and the death of the club. Now it is talk of survival and actually looking forward to watching the Imps make it three wins in a row. It is a funny old game and this week has reminded just why we love the game and following the Imps.

Imps win back to back matches

Lincoln City last night edged closer to safety in the Conference with a narrow and rather fortuitous 2-1 victory over relegation rivals Hayes and Yeading United at the Kingsfield stadium in Woking in front of only 327 fans. The majority of those fans travelled to support the Imps and great credit must be given to the away support this season who have followed the Imps across the country regardless of results or performance.

The imps came into this game full of confidence after an impressive 2-0 win on Saturday against Newport County. Manager David Holdsworth elected to change the starting line up slightly with Francis Laurent coming into the side in place of the injured Peter Bore. Former Hayes and Yeading striker Richard Pacquette failed to make the bench, he scored four goals for them in a spell at the start of the season. The imps lined up in the same 4-4-2 formation that was successful in the previous match. I do feel that our improvement has come form a more consistent approach to both team selection and tactics, I hope this will continue.

It was Laurent who started brightly, after only three minutes his effort went narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Laurent is a player with undoubted ability but sadly he has barely played this season due to persistent injury problems. If we had him playing just half the games this season I feel we would be a few points better off. following this early effort the imps looked to push on and get that first goal, Laurent seemed to be involved heavily in the opening exchanges, helping to set up Power for a shot and then volleying an effort over the bar himself shortly afterwards. The first half was a fairly uneventful affair thoguh, the first corner of the game not arriving until the 37th minute of the match for Hayes and Yeading.

The second half had all of the action in this match. The sides were unchanged when they came out from the changing rooms, Hayes started the half brighter. five minutes into the half Anyon pulled off the first of many saves to deny Hayes getting in front, this time denying Luke Williams with his legs before then pulling off a quick double save to keep the score at 0-0. The imps made the first change of the match in the 54th minute with Nicolau replacing the ineffective McCammon, this moved Laurent upfront alongside Louis. Laurents spell as striker lasted only minutes as he was replaced by Jamie Taylor in the 58th minute.

The opening goal of the game was one of the luckiest we will score. A simple back pass to Hayes 'keeper Steve Arnold was sliced forward and straight into the path of Jefferson Louis who proceeded to run forward and slot the ball into the back of the net to give the imps the lead. Sadly, only three minutes later the scores were level again with centre back Pele (not that one) heading home from a set piece.

For once this goal didn't make the imps self implode, in fact it had the opposite effect as only three minutes later a corner won by Taylor was taken by substitute Nicolau who picked out  central defender Tom Miller in the box who scored his first goal for the imps in only his second appearance since signing on Friday. Following this goal Hayes seemed determined to get back level, firstly Power cleared an effort off the line followed shortly after by Anyon once again pulling off a great save, this time denying Owusu.

The imps defended well and Anyon once more kept out Hayes, this time a double save firstly from a header in stoppage time meant that for the first time this season Lincoln City recorded successive league victories. Unsurprisingly Anyon was the man of the match, his heroics were the main reason the imps gained these valuable three points.

This result has given the imps a five point lead over  Hayes and Yeading who lay in 21st place and we also have a game in hand. I am now much more confident that we will be able to get over the line and remain a conference premier side for next season. Next up for the Imps is a home match against Tamoworth on Saturday, can we do the unthinkable and get three wins in a row?

If we win this are we safe?

Could it really come down to this game against fellow relegation candidates Hayes and Yeading on tuesday night at the Kingsfield stadium in Woking? One thing for certain is that a win would put us five points clear of relegation with only seven games to play with a game in hand over our opponents tomorrow night. A defeat though would could put us back where we were before the excellent win over Newport on Saturday. This game could well go along way in deciding our fate this season.

Hayes gained a hard earned point at home against AFC Telford. Hayes played 65 minutes of this match with only ten men following the dismissal of Centre back Phil Walsh for an aggressive gesture (appeared to grab his throat) to on loan Imp Kyle Perry. As a result of this incident it was testament to the defensive ability of Hayes to keep a clean sheet and deny Telford any real efforts on goal, in fact Hayes had ten shots on goal to Telfords two in the whole match.

Following his sending off Phil Walsh will be suspended for Tuesdays clash with the Imps. they may have Pele playing in defence though, the former Southampton defender signed for the club in January and has impressed in his ten appearances to date for the club. They will also have new loan signing Piero Mingoa looking for his first start, the young midfielder signed a one month loan deal from Watford. Former Imp Jamie Hand currently plays for Hayes and it will be interesting to see if he has improved much since he appeared against the Imps at Sincil Bank earlier on in the season whilst on loan for Luton.

Hayes are one of the few teams in the league who have lost more games then the Imps and this will hopefully give our team the confidence that they can add to the three points picked up on Saturday. Lincoln have a former Hayes player in their ranks in striker Richard Pacquette, he scored four goals for Tuesdays opponents before signing for the Imps.

Lincoln have no fresh injury or suspension worries ahead of this match. Holdsworth may well and should in my opinion stick with the same starting eleven that ended a seven game win less streak on Saturday.

This really is a big game, as I stated earlier on in the article if we lose this game it renders the previous win as quite meaningless in regards to our league position and chances of avoiding relegation this season. Confidence in the squad will be at a high following the well earned win and it is important that we can carry that efficient performance forward and get something out of this match. Hayes have been in good form of late and we must make sure that doesn't continue.

I am going to go with a draw, 1-1, for this match, this result would not be a disaster for us and would also enable the team to keep the momentum growing. Which we are going to need to finish this season strongly, positively and heading in the right direction.

Finally three points, two goals and one clean sheet!

Lincoln City ended their seven game win less streak this weekend by beating fellow relegation battlers Newport County 2-0 at Sincil Bank. The game was played in front of an attendance of only 1,951 which included 110 fans who made the long trip from Wales. Before kick off there was a vocal and visible protest aimed at both the board and the manager David Holdsworth outside the ground. More worryingly for me is the silent protest of so many fans simply not attending matches, how the club reaches out and attracts these fans back to Sincil Bank is a big challenge that is very important for the club moving forward.

Lincoln started this game with a 4-4-2 formation. New signing and former Newport player Tom Miller cam straight into the starting eleven partnering Josh Gowling in the heart of the defence. Further forward Louis partner McCammon in attack after returning from injury, with Sheridan and Bore deployed in the wide areas. Goal scoring winger Danny Lloyd who made an excellent second half appearance last week had to make do with a place on the bench.

The game started very closely with two evenly matched sides seemingly nervous to make the mistake that could lead to the opening goal for the opposition. The returning Louis had the first effort on goal after seven minutes,  but he hit his shot into the side netting and didnt trouble Newport 'keeper Glyn Thompson. Just minutes later a Newport free kick taken by Andy Sandell was hit with power but luckily straight at Joe Anyon who dealt with the shot comfortably.

It took twenty five minutes before Lincoln opened the scoring a corner was taken on the right by full back and captain John Nutter. His corner was delivered with pace and accuracy to the front post and duly headed home by striker Mark McCammon, Thompson had no chance in goal. This goal brought yet more energy from the brilliant home support, this appeared to transfer to the players on the pitch who looked more confident and willing to play with less fear of making a mistake.

Only eight minutes later the imps got what turned out to be the final winning goal of the match. A ffree kick was awarded on the edge of the Newport box for a foul on Louis. Nutter, fresh from setting up the opening goal from a set piece, stepped up and despatched the ball goal ward with great power that meant that even though Thompson got a touch to the ball he couldn't stop it flying into the back of the net. The crowd cheered sensing that this could be the game to end the barren win less run.

The rest of the first half passed by with a few half chances and efforts from both sides but nothing of any note. When the half time whistle was blown by the referee it was greeted with a unified cheer from the crowd, this was nothing less then the players deserved for giving themselves a comfortable lead at the break.

The teams returned after the interval unchanged and eager to get on with the second half. In all honesty the second half was unlikely to have the same energy and intensity and it turned out that way, neither team was able to create a clear cut chance until substitute Lloyd got on the end of superb right wing cross from Louis, sadly his flicked shot was brilliant saved by Thompson. Lloyd was joined in the second half by Laurent who replaced the first goal scorer McCammon to great applause for the final minutes. French Midfielder Christophe came on in the final minutes in place of Sheridan in what appeared to be just to run down the clock and ensure there were no nasty surprises in store for the Imps fans who chanted and cheered on their team brilliantly throughout the entire match.

To say these three points were much needed is an understatement, we are still very much in the relegation mire and this win will mean next to nothing if we lose our next match away to Hayes and Yeading on Tuesday night. But it will give the team confidence not only for the performance but also that the fans were united and behind the players throughout the match. Football really is a simple game, win and most things that are going on in the background disappear from our thoughts for a few moments at least.

There is no denying that there is still unrest and anger towards certain persons within the hierarchy at the club, but I for one walked home after this match with a smile on my face and spring in my step. It was a strange feeling I hadn't felt for a while as got home on Saturday night, a feeling of relief and joy. We forget we go to watch football to embrace and enjoy all the beautiful game can offer.

Saturday gave us hope that this season isn't over yet and if we can play like we did in just a few of the remaining games we should be able to look forward and upwards instead of downwards like the last few months.

Yet another must win game for the Imps

Next up in the seemingly endless list of games we cannot in a million years afford to lose is against fellow strugglers Newport County. Newport currently sit in 18th place in the table, this is two points ahead of the imps and with a game in hand. Following the, once again, disastrous result last weekend Lincoln City find themselves only outside of the relegation positions by virtue of goal difference, sharing the same number of points with Hayes and Yeading who we are thankful lost to Grimsby Town in mid week.

Newport arrive at Sincil Bank on the back of an away draw at Cambridge which should be regarded as a good result for a side battling against relegation. Newport completed the signing of defender Fraser Franks on loan from League two side AFC Wimbledon and he could make his début tomorrow. Newport do have a few injuries to contend with as well, which could help the imps, as we can't seem to help our selves any more. Captain and centre back Gary Warren will face a late fitness test. Fellow defenders Ismail Yakubu and Lee baker are expected to miss the game. Foley, Charles, Minshull and Pipe, who all missed Newports previous fixture against Cambridge should be fit and in contention for the starting eleven.

Newport will be glad to have Sam Foley available for this game as he is the clubs joint top scorer this season along with Romone Rose with eleven goals a piece. Newport will be hoping that they are both able to start the game in attack. as a Lincoln fan I hope they don't, as we have seen too many times this season any one who can score a goal inevitably will against our leaky defence.

Lincoln may have striker Jefferson Louis fit for this game, just weeks after he had a season ending bruised rib (Not sure a bruised rib has ever ended a season that isn't in the final week before). Also new signing Tom Miller is in the squad, he was released by Newport a few months ago and could make his début for the imps against the side that rejected him. I am expecting no major changes to the side that started against and subsequently lost against Bath last week. I personally would play Lloyd after he scored as a second half substitute. but I am not going to try and second guess what Holdsworth is thinking with regard to his team selection for this game.

Off the field there has been a few distractions before this game, with a reputed pre match protest arranged by fans. I will say that if you do want to protest that is perfectly fine, no one is happy with the situation we are in. But please remember that when that first ball is kicked to get behind the team and show them that we want the team to stay up. I would also agree with former chairmen Rob Bradley that a protest after the match could well be more productive and not give the board and the manager the excuse of blaming the fans if we do lose this game.

I am making no predictions for this game, I honestly don't know after the opening five minutes last week. all I hope for is a win, by any means.

The unthinkable occurred at Twerton Park

What a shambles, the game was barely four minutes old when all hope of getting anything from this must win trip to Bath evaporated. A first minute penalty scored by Mark Canham was quickly followed by a back heel past Anyon by Marley Watkins. the Imps did manage a consolation, scored by half time substitute Danny Lloyd in the 76th minute.

Before this game every Imps fan knew that we had to win and we definitely could not lose against the side who have sat bottom of the table for the whole season and who have recorded just four wins whilst conceding over 70 goals. It appears that this didn't make its way through to the dressing room, in fact it is debatable that without any pictorial evidence that the Lincoln team made it to the pitch in time for evidence following the events of the opening five minutes.

There were three changes to the side for this match, Christophe, Sheridan and Taylor came in for Almond, Louis and Russell. Despite Holdsworth's comments about the defence in the last game no changes were made here and there were also no defenders named on the bench, he couldn't have been that angry with the defence then in my opinion. But it seems again that the names of the players on the team sheet seem irrelevant none seem up to the task of getting points, let alone a much needed win. Many fans have called for the inclusion of Lloyd and his impact as a half time substitution showed exactly why, he showed the work ethic, determination and most of all the ability to actually score. If he doesn't start the next game then I am not sure what more he can do to impress.

There seems to be no argument that Bath deserved to win this game, this in itself is highly distressing to hear as a life long city fan. the complete lack of fight or desire to pull the team back takes us back to our final games in the football league last season. The sense of deja vu continues to grow, we appear to be stumbling our way to a second successive relegation. the mistakes from last season were learned by the board we were told. now it is time to see if they really have. We cannot afford to go down again, we couldn't last season but this season would be the killer blow to the club in my opinion in its current form.

And this leads em on to the position of our manager, before this game I stated that if we lost then Holdsworth would not be able to continue for fear of the same happening again. As I write this it appears that he is still in charge of the team. I do worry that he just is not up to the task, his record at the moment is making the decision to sack Tilson appear to be a mistake, and that is incredibly hard to think after his spell in destroying the club and sending us down to this league.

We are currently only outside of the drop zone by goal difference, we play Newport County at home this Saturday, followed shortly by the away trip to Hayes and Yeading, we are sat in the middle of those two teams at the moment. I can understand the board giving Holdsworth a few more chances to get a win or two, but I cannot understand how he is still getting them following the disaster that occured this weekend. Have they completely forgotten last season already?

If ever there was a must win game, then this is it!

This Saturday the Imps make the trip to Bath and will take on another one of the leagues part time sides at Twerton Park. Bath are the bottom side in the league winning only four games all season and have just 21 points to their name, they sit twelve points behind the imps before this game. Bath have never been in the football league in their 123 year history. Lincoln, following last week are now sat one place above the relegation zone and have only a three point cushion.

Bath come into this game on the back of their only away win of the season so far. Last week they beat Barrow 1-0. This is the more worrying for us as they kept a clean sheet...what is that I hear you cry? That is when your team doesn't concede a goal for a full game. Just a quick reminder as I can't remember the last time we had one.

Bath will be looking to Marc Canham for goals this weekend, so far he has ten goals, not bad for the side rock bottom of the league. His goals are nearly half of the 23 scored by Bath in the league. they also have Sean Canham on loan from Hereford who has scored 8 goals in his 19 matches in all competitions this season. Again, not bad stats for a side that rarely scores.

Lincoln will have the usual injury problems, with Louis picking up a season ending cracked rib in mid week training. Whilst the injury list at Lincoln appears long, it is worth noting that we will still have 19 first team players available for the match tomorrow, Bath only have a squad of 20 players, before any injuries or suspensions. Alfreton last week couldn't even name a full subs bench, we will have too many players for the bench. For me the excuse of injuries is a very very poor one and cannot be used if the worst happens this season.

I honestly cannot believe that this season has come to this, a must win game to Bath, and not only that but the fact that should we lose tomorrow and Hayes and Yeading win we will be in the bottom four, should we lose tomorrow I would expect Holdsworth to depart the club. I would also be fearing the worst not only for the rest of this season but also for the future of the club, we cannot afford to go down.

I'm not predicting anything for this game, I want us to win and we must. At the start of the season I would have said an easy 5-0 win, but as things have turned out I am now thinking of the worst.

How did it get to this?

There is a sense of Deja Vu at Sincil Bank

And so we are here again, another home defeat this time to part timers Alfreton Town. Before the game I said we could not lose this game if we want to stay up and so it appears we don't. Of course we the fans do, but the lack of performance or even token effort for most of the game seems that the players don't seem too fussed either way.

When you sign players who have played for around 20 different clubs you aren't signing someone who cares about how well their current wage payer does and this seemed all to evident on Saturday. With the second half barely under way it appeared that the heads had already dropped, there was a point when the players were just walking around defending a corner, and a subsequent throw in. This was hugely worrying to me, as it was only one goal and with around forty minutes of the match to play.

It is hard for me to describe the 'football' match, there was very little football played by either side. Alfreton had a game plan, the same plan as when we lost to them in the cup, and we played straight into this. They are a long ball side who sit deep and break, we never put their defence under any pressure and as a result they got their one goal they needed in first half added on time through Jake Moult who ceased on a typical poor clearance from Lincoln's defence.

All the way through the second half we never looked like we would get that equaliser and a win was definitely out of the window, the strikers lacked link up play, preferring the head down run into a cul-de-sac approach, usually into the corner. Subs Taylor and Sheridan gave the side a little more pace, the problems of the side were still evident, the side was too disjointed. Why we couldn't play a left winger down the left instead of a right sided player I will never understand, there was always space to go wide and cross the ball into the box, but every time the wide players cut inside into the waiting defence who crowded them out and cleared the ball. The tactic of crossing the ball into the box really is the most basic and hugely worrying that we could manage that.

McCammon came on for Bore and initially he looked to impose him self and unsettle the Alfreton defence. But we played literally every ball up to his head, included every slowly taken throw in, unsurprisingly Alfreton learned to quickly deal with this and for the final ten minutes he struggled to win anything in the air as he was crowded out. Again our inability to think to do anything different then put it in the air to the 'big lad' was frightening.

As a result we got what we fully deserved, nothing. Alfreton came here with a plan and it was evident from the start that each one of their players knew what was expected. Looking at our players there seemed to be little in the way of instructions or ideas of how to play against Alfreton.

As for Holdsworth blaming the defence for this defeat, I find that hard to take, sure the defence wasn't great but the real problem was in the midfield, there was absolutely no creativity, no service for the strikers in attack and very little cover for the defence. If we are going to play such dire long ball tactics then there really is no point in having a midfield we may as well just play defenders and forwards and hope for the best.

Next up is Bath away, if we lose this then for me Holdsworth with be relieved of his duties. If we win he will get the extra time, but I still fear that we are going one way and barring the clubs below us not picking up enough points we are going to end the season the same as the last. Except this time I don't think it will go down to the final game against Ebbsfleet United.

Another relegation clash this time It's Alfreton Town

Lincoln city will take on Alfreton Town at Sincil bank this Saturday the 10th March. Both teams are fighting to stay above the relegation places, there are only two places and just one point separating the two sides before this game. Alfreton do have a game in hand over the Imps though, which makes it even more imperative that we go away with all three points to aid our cause.

Alfreton come into this game on the back of a massive 6-1 home victory over fellow struggler's Stockport County. Alfretons top scorer Nathan Jarman bagged himself a hat trick on Tuesday night and now has 15 goals for the season to date. Alfreton are no one man side either, with both Arnold and Clayton having 8 goals a piece. All three of these players have scored far more then any Lincoln player who will take to the pitch this weekend.

One bit of consolation for the Imps is that Alfreton are less then half as prolific on their travels as they have been at the Impact Arena this season, only scoring 15 goals on their travels compared to 32 at home. Whilst the Imps aren't great at home we don't let too many in only 21 goals conceded so we can only hope that Alfreton revert to their normal away form and struggle to get more then one goal.

The imps should have no further Injury worries from the previous game With Jamie Taylor again improving his fitness and perhaps in which a chance of starting the game following two consecutive substitute outings. There has been talk in the press this week that Holdsworth is unhappy with the defence and will look at changing the back line, but for me, there is really little improvement to be found on the bench to bring in to bolster the back line. Karlton Watson was dreadful in his last appearance and there appears to be little time for Holdsworth to make yet another signing before the game tomorrow. This brings me to another worry that Holdsworth doesn't have the ability to motivate or improve the players currently at his disposal and as a result looks to signing new players as the only way to improve performances instead of being able to work with what he has.

This game really worries me, like so many other Imps. I feel that if we lose this game then we will be relying on the other teams below us to slip up if we are going to stay up this season. we don't seem capable at the moment of stringing a performance together. Alfreton won easily midweek against a side just above us in the table, they will think that we are there for the taking.

As a result I think we will draw 2-2, once again I have zero confidence in our ability to keep a clean sheet. I am being optimistic in predicting a draw, I don't want to even think about leaving Sincil Bank at 4:45 on Saturday after watching another  home defeat.....It just can't happen if we want to stay up!

An unhappy return for Holdsworth

This wasn't the return to Field Mill that I'm sure David Holdsworth would have imagined. A lacklustre and defensive, or negative approach depending on your view point, performance by the Imps has drawn criticism from the fans. Of which a brilliant away following of 627 Imps made the short trip to Mansfield.

Lincoln made just one change from the line up that drew the previous week at home to Telford. Simon Russell came in to the starting eleven in place of Almond who dropped to the bench. He was joined by new signing Mark McCammon who had finally signed following problems with his registration the week before.

Mansfield started with former Imp Alan Marriott in goal and their top scorer Green started up front, it was he who would have the first chance of the game missing a decent header in the opening minutes of the game. Surprisingly the Imps defence held back the Mansfield attack throughout the first half, there seemed to be little reply from the Imps, who only managed three efforts on target in the whole game, compared to Mansfield's impressive ten.

It was only a minute after the half time break that Mansfield took the lead, a quickly taken throw in by Geohagon was crossed into the box by O'Neill to Ross Dyer to slot home his sixth goal of the season so far. This lapse of concentration at the back has unfortunately become synonymous with the Imps over the past few years.

Following this strike Lincoln tried to get the equaliser but never threaten Marriot in goal with any saves and as such Mansfield then doubled their lead in the 58th minute with a brilliant 30 yard strike from Gary Roberts which was hit low and hard. Having watched the highlights I'm not sure Anyon can be blamed for the goal and it was unfortunately only what Mansfield deserved.

With the side down by two goals Holdsworth then made two changes with Almond and Taylor taking the places of Russell and Pacquette. These changes did little to stem the flow of the game which had Mansfield in the ascendency and the more likely to get the next goal. With just over ten minutes of the game McCammon was handed his début when he came on in place of winger Peter Bore.

McCammon was soon in the action and came close to getting on the end of a Jamie Taylor cross shortly after coming on. With the game all but over and deep into injury time Lincoln did get a reply through their new striker. But it was far too little too late for the Imps who never really gave the Stags much of a challenge in the final third.

Sadly for the travelling Imps fans the side never gave them much to cheer. Whilst I fully understand that going to a side near the top of the table and looking to take a point would be a good result, as soon as Mansfiled did get the break through goal it was game over for the Imps. It is so hard the completely change the mindset of the team from a near all out defence to then pushing forward to get an equaliser.

With our current form a 2-1 defeat isn't a terrible result and I fully feel that we should be more concerned about beating the sides around us near the foot of the table. We play Alfreton, Bath, Newport and Hayes and Yeading in the next four fixtures, if we have anything less then seven points form these fixtures I will be very worried. Were it not for the precarious financial situations of Darlington and Kettering we would very well be under more pressure of dropping into the bottom four.

I don't want our team, manager or board to be of the opinion that we are relatively safe with a five point gap, especially following last seasons collapse where we were much further away from the relegation places in League Two

Short trip to Mansfield for the Imps

This weekend the Imps travel to Mansfield to take on a side that currently sit seventh in the Blue Square Bet Premier league table, a massive 22 points separate the two teams. This fixture has a little extra spice with Lincoln City manager David Holdsworth making his first return to Field Mill since he departed the club as manager in November 2010. I am sure that he will return hoping to prove a point to his previous employers and gain three vital points for the Imps in their quest to avoid the drop for the second successive season.

Mansfield come into this game on the back of a 2-1 win at home to Tamworth, the goals coming courtesy of Adam Smith and top scorer Matt Green. Green has scored 21 goals so far this season for the Stags, how we would love a striker so prolific spear-heading our side. As it is we will be looking to Louis and Pacquette to continue their good starts to their emerging Lincoln careers. In a contrast to Mansfields goal scoring striker our top scorer Sam Smith is out for the rest of the season and the next highest is Pacquette with just three goals to date.

Mansfield also have a few former Imps. One is Lincoln 'favourite' from last season, non scoring forward Ben Hutchinson. He started the season at Kilmarnock in the SPL starting their first game of the season but played only six times in his six month spell. He signed for Mansfield in January on a free transfer until the end of this season. I wonder what reception he will get from the travelling Imps, especially following on from the rather over the top treatment of Perry last weekend.

Goalkeeper Alan Marriott is certainly going to receive a far better reception from the travelling away fans, having spent nine fairly successful years as the Imps number one, before departing to join Rushden and Diamonds in the summer of 2008 on a free transfer.

Coming into this game the Imps should have no further injury worries and may well have Taylor able to play a more prominent role then his ten minute run out against Telford, his pace and movement certainly gives the attack a different dynamic and could potentially cause problems if he were to make late appearance in this game.

I am not expecting any changes to the side in terms of the back four, we may see Christophe return to the midfield to add a more defensive approach. But I wouldn't be surprised or disappointed to see the same starting eleven that gained a point but missed several good chances last weekend. Chances that we are doubtful to receive in such abundance this weekend against a far stronger side at the top end of the table chasing the play off places.

I am hoping that the Imps have trained hard over the week on their shooting and finishing, I am going to plump for a narrow defeat to Mansfield, 2-1, as I still don't feel that we have a strong enough defence and are liable to concede especially with a striker in form such as Green looking to add to his goal tally this season.

Imps get a point that should have been three

Lincoln were left to rue a multitude of missed chances against a Telford side who were there for the taking on Saturday. But for some woeful finishing from the Imps this would have been a convincing and much needed victory that would have pulled us seven points clear of the relegation zone, as it is it was only a point gained at home to a fellow relegation candidates AFC Telford and this leaves us only five points above twenty first placed side Alfreton who are the next side we take on at Sincil Bank in a few weeks.

The game started off how it would carry on for the full ninety minutes, efforts from both teams were exchanged, but none were ever threatening to hit the back of the net. as things turned out it was Kyle Perry, on loan from the imps, who open the scoring. It was a completely avoidable goal like so many we have seen conceded this season from Lincoln, both Robson and Gowling left the rotund striker completely free on the edge of the six yard box and even allowed him enough time to bring the ball down and drive it with his left foot into back of the net off of the underside of the bar.

Perry milked the abuse he received from the home fans following his opening goal, his comments in the media before the game had made sure that he would not be welcomed back with open arms to the club that is still his employer. It does make me wonder how a returning hero such as Drewe Broughton or Ben Hutchinson may be greeted if this is the reception for a player who did manage to get a few goals in a Lincoln shirt.

Telfords lead did not last long though it took only eight minutes for the imps to draw level. A free kick was conceded on the edge of the Telford box by a foul on Power. Nutter stepped up to curl it into the goal with his left foot, hi shot was deflected off of Telford Centre back Blackburn leaving Ryan Young no chance of keeping the ball out of the net.

The game then ebbed and flowed with either team taking it in turns to attack, Lincoln would miss several good chances. Almond had three opportunities throughout the game to at least test the keeper, but all three went pretty much out of the ground, Jefferson Louis late on also hit the ball well over the bar from just a few yards out. It was this lack of composure when in sight of goal that hindered and ultimately cost the Imps the chance to take the win.

The closest the Imps came to getting that winning goal was from substitute Taylor, on for the final ten minutes in place of Pacquette, a long free kick forward from Anyon was nodded down into the path of Taylor by Gowling but it was slightly too high for the striker and his improvised flick/volley went narrowly past the post.

This game saw a much improved attacking performance from the Imps, but we saw a return of the problem that has cost us so much over the past few season the inability to hit the back of the net. This seemed to be down to a lack of composure and a bit of panicking from the attacking players when presented with good opportunities. Every shot seemed to be hit as hard as possible instead of placed on target, regardless of distance from goal. this is something that will hopefully be worked on in training in the next week.

Next up is the short trip away to Mansfield at the weekend. This game will be a much sterner test then Telford and as such it will be imperative that we take our chances as it is doubtful we will have half as many to miss as this weekend.

Imps take on Telford in relegation survival clash

Tomorrow afternoon the Imps take on one of the few sides beneath us in the table AFC Telford. There is just a one point gap between the two sides, but Telfords one game advantage means that it is imperative that the Imps don't lose at home to a relegation rival.

It appeared earlier today that Lincoln had made yet another signing this season in striker Mark McCammon, this has hit a snag though due to his registration at previous club Braintree apparently not cancelled. As it stands it is highley unlikely that the 33 year old Barbados international will be involved in the match day squad for tomorrow. There was further bad news for the Imps earlier in the week when winger Conal Platt suffered a fractured tibia in his left leg, he will play no further part this season but it is hoped that he may return for the start of next season.

And so, to the players who will be available for tomorrows game. Following the brilliant and unexpected point earned away to Kidderminster I would personally not look to change much in terms of the starting eleven, but I am not David Holdsworth. As such I do expect there to be a few changes, a return to the starting eleven for Pacquette would be an attacking move, returning to a 442 instead of the more defensive 433 employed in the previous game. A change to 442 would cause a dilemma of where to play Power, if at all, with both Thompson and Christophe seemingly the first choice centre midfield pairing giving more cover in front of a still leaky back line.

Telford won their previous game at home to Braintree 1-0, with Ryan Brooke heading in the solitary goal. On loan Telford striker Kyle Perry has been permitted by Lincoln to play against his parent club, something which is uncommon in loan deals for fairly obvious reasons. I would hope that with our knowledge of what perry can and very much can't do I would hope that we will be able to keep his impact on this game to a minimum.

As I have stated earlier on we should in no way lose this game, we can't afford to give points to direct rivals in the league especially being the home side. I do think that the imps will have drawn a lot of confidence from the point gained in the previous match and will carry that forward into this match. Whilst we only managed one effort on goal we should be able to express more attacking intent at home to a side lower in the table and have a higher share of possession.

I am going to go for a 2-1 win to the Imps, I would say 2-0 but I can't see us keeping a clean sheet regardless of the opposition. I hope there is a good crowd for this highly important game tomorrow, a win and we can relieve some pressure of being so close to the relegation zone.

Andres Villas Boas is on the brink

Tonight's match for Chelsea is one of those that is billed as the decisive match of the season, or in this case the managers reign. Whilst I don't think victory tonight is essential for AVB to keep his job, I do think that with each time he speaks he seems to be cutting an isolated figure. He speaks of having the backing of the owner, Roman Abramovich, yet there has been no comments made form him either positive or negative.

It is getting to a point now that I feel he will need Abramovich to come and state whether he does give his backing to AVB and as such has fully bought into his 'project'. It is clear that things arent going well behind the scenes with rumours of dissent and discourse amongst the senior players, mainly those players that were part of the hugely successful Mourinho side over five years ago.

Is this where the problem lies, that some of these Chelsea players still see their current manager as the scout that he was under Mourinho? Has AVB tried too hard to stamp his authority on the squad and he is facing a rebellion from within? For me it certainly looks this way, the most important man in the club should be that manager and the owner should come out and clearly state this in public.

When he was appointed it was stated that AVB was the man to lead Chelsea in the long run and that he would be given time to transform an ageing squad, now is the time to show that faith. I personally think there is no point in changing the manager at this stage, I would give him until the end of the season at least and then re-asses the situation then. He definitely has the potential and the ability to lead a 'big' club, he did it superbly with Porto, who lets not forget are historically and trophy wise far more successful then Chelsea.

Tonight is a massive game, but not for what is going on in the back ground, it is important as it is a Champions league game and Napoli are a very strong side, so strong they came through their group where as Manchester City ended up in the Europa League. There is still a third of the season to go and whilst many think it will only get worse, it can always get a lot better and we must remember that this manager is working for the long term.

What a week for the Rossoneri!

Following the hard earned victory over Udinese last weekend, a result that saw Milan break their curse of struggling to take points of their title rivals, we saw one of the finest displays in the San Siro all season with the destruction of a below par Arsenal. It really was a game of men against boys.

The ease at which the victory came was really quite breathtaking Ibrahimovic, so often criticised by the English media as a flat track bully, took charge of the game and dominated the evenings proceedings. Both he and Robinho took it in turns to drop deep into the space behind the Arsenal midfield, but it was Zlatan who demonstrated his ability to control a game and play as a more traditional number ten. Something that he has done brilliantly on several occasions this season.

Let us not forget that whilst people have been stating that this is a poor and injury ridden Arsenal side Milan have virtually a whole team of players unavailable through injury. Players such as Pato, Aquilani and Nesta were all not fit enough to start the game. I am hoping that the return of the injured masses will really galvanise Milan and give them a new lease of life for the title run in. The title run in was given another boost with Juventus failing to breakdown Parma, and following this weekends comfortable victory over Cesena Milan remain top of the standings, one point above of Juventus who still have one game in hand.

I am going to the Emirates on the 6th or March, I was hoping to see a great game between two of Europe's largest sides. Following the first leg it appears it will be a victory parade for Milan who will surely need just one goal to put the tie to bed, if it isn't already.

Before then thoguh Milan will take on Juventus on Saturday in the San Siro, a huge game that really could point to where the title is going this season. If Milan can win then it will make Juves match in hand irrelevant but on the other hand it could give the Turin side the points and a game advantage. this is without mentioning any psychological blow a result of this magnitude could have.

This time next week I hope we are looking at another monumental victory for AC Milan.

One shot and one point for the Imps

Before the game on Saturday I would have bitten your arm off if you offered Lincoln a point away from home to Kidderminster I even predicted a rather heavy defeat, as it turns out we will feel a bit aggrieved that we only got the one. It took a stoppage time equaliser from substitute Steve Guinan to give the hosts a share of the spoils in front of 2081 fans in the Aggborough stadium.

As with so many games this season the starting line up was different from the previous match, against Braintree. Williams returned to the back line, replacing Watson. Almond, fresh from scoring on his debut as a second half substitute also made the starting eleven alongside fellow new signing Rodney. Alan Power was available again following his suspension and returned to the side in a 4-3-3 formation. Pacquette, Platt and Nicolau dropped to the bench.

Lincoln took a surprising lead after twenty minutes, Jefferson Louis scoring his second goal for the club getting on the end of Louis Almonds free kick. This turned out to be the only shot on target the Imps would manage in the game.

There was 172 travelling Imps in attendance to see a  spirited Lincoln side dig in and defend the one goal lead resolutely until towards the end. Kidderminster did miss some good chances though, and with the game drawing to an end it appeared that lady luck was shining on the Imps but the up stepped Steve Guinan so many times in the past a thorne in Lincoln's side, it was he would have the last say in this match.

Whilst a point is a great result, it felt much more like a defeat thanks to the lateness of the equalising goal, I really thought we would cling on and claim a rare win. It was just not to be unfortunately, but it was a welcome change to battle hard and get a draw after the defensive capitulation in mid-week.

Next up for this Imps is a home game against Telford, just one place below us in the table, this is surely a must win game so I urge everybody to get down to Sincil Bank and get behind the team and show our support, we really can't afford to lose being only four points above the dreaded relegation places.

Imps travel to sixth placed Kidderminster

After a really quite shocking defensive performance in mid week against part time Braintree, where three goals were conceded, the imps face what should be a much sterner test against play off chasing Kidderminster Harriers. The reverse fixture saw the Imps lose 1-0.

This will be Kidderminsters first game in the league since the 28th January, they have played an FA trophy fixture in this time losing to Luton 2-1 at home. The lack of match practice could be of advantage to the Imps, but I wont hold my breath after the previous outing. It was very good to see three goals scored by the side but it came at the expense of a woeful defensive performance.

Kidderminster have score 57 goals in the league this season and 30 at home, they must be eagerly anticipating playing the Imps who on their travels have conceded 28 goals, but only scored 14. The stats haven't looked good for Lincoln all season and I struggle to see how we can get anything more then a draw against one of the leagues top sides.

I would expect Holdsworth to make some changes to the side for this game, as he always does, and I would think he will start with bringing Williams back in place of the much criticised Watson, who was dreadful alongside Gowling in their previous outing. If Robson has returned to fitness I can see him getting the nod at right back instead of Bore, who made his début in the last match, purely on the fact that he has looked solid if unspectacular in his handful of games for the Imps so far.

At least there was signs of promise in the front pair of Louis and Pacquette, who seemed to link up well together and cause problems with their work rate, strength and determination. But with so many players now at Holdsworths disposal who knows what eleven he will choose to start the game.

Whilst I want to think that we will win this game I struggle to see how following the midweek defensive shambles, I am going for a 3-1 defeat

Imps lucky to salvage a draw!

Six goals were scored in one of the strangest games of football I have seen in recent memory. It took less then a minute for Lincoln to take the lead through debutant Louis. A long ball forward from Anyon was poorly defended, like the whole game, Louis headed the ball and it looped over the head of Braintree keeper McDonald.

At this moment the Imps faithful were all dreaming of how many goals we could get, it didn't take long for the second goal to come, some poor positional defending from the imps allowed Jai Reason to level the scores, only three minutes had passed and we had already seen two goals. Following this brilliant start to the game it died completely, very little occurred for the rest of the first half, a few more events of poor decision making and fluffed clearances were about it. the only other 'real' chance in the first half came from Christophe, who tried to flick a ball into the net, but it was saved well.

Braintree's second goal came from yet more terrible defending,  a corner seemed to just go straight into the net at the front post, despite a Lincoln defender covering that area, all he had to do was stand upright and the ball would have hit him, but he inexplicably ducked out of its path. As you will notice all of the goals scored so far have a recurring theme, poor defending. Like the first goal it didn't take long for the reply, Tyrone Thompson with a long range effort swerving off of his left foot into the bottom corner of the goal, the Braintree keeper had no chance with this strike. A good goal from a man not known for any attacking intent.

Braintree then went on to score what they thought was the winner, a superbly taken free kick hit the post and rolled across the goal line. Whilst the Lincoln defenders just stood and watched the Braintree players were pro active and followed the ball, resulting in an uncontested tap in for Assombalonga from a yard out with only three minutes remaining of the game.

It looked as though the imps were down and out, but from no where, substitute, and another débutante, the 41st player of the season, Almond smashed in a loose ball form the edge of the area on the volley to salvage something from the game. Braintree then had the final attack of the game, yet more sloppy and hesitant defending allowed Assombalonga a clear run through on goal, he knocked the ball round Anyon and then whilst hurdling over the imps keeper took a tumble from minimal contact. The ref showed him a second yellow card for diving and his participation in the game ended slightly early.

In my opinion we were very lucky, on another day a ref could have easily given the penalty and we could have lost the game. There was contact with Anyon and it was a clear goal scoring chance, had he decided to just tap the ball in instead of a dramatic fall it would have been all over and another embarrassing home defeat would have occurred. Luckily, we got our bit of luck.

I can't help but feel that if Braintree had been more clinical then they could have easily scored five or six goals against us last night, the defending was the worst I had seen at the bank, and that is saying something! None of the goals we conceded were through good play on Braintree's part, it was down to basic errors and what seemed a lack of communication and a lack of someone taking charge at the back. We have got away with it tonight, but next time we may not be so fortunate.

To score three goals at home and still not win when you are playing a part-time team is, for me, unforgivable.

Milan need to raise their game for Arsenal

The champions league returns this week, and for Milan it is a big test, a game against inconsistent Arsenal, who currently lay fourth in the Premier league. Whilst Milan top the Serie A table at the moment, the problem for the Rossoneri this season has been performing against other 'larger' sides. and Arsenal will definitely prove a stern test for Milan, the injuries may be beginning to ease, but the strength of the squad still concerns me.

Luckily Arsenal are not in great form this season, whilst Van Persie has been in excellent form scoring a ton of goals, if he doesn't get on the score sheet, Arsenal have struggled to break some teams down. I am hopeful that a returning Nesta can nullify the threat of Van Persie, like he has with so many great strikers over the years. If this can be achieved it gives Milan a real chance to take a lead to London.

The other end of the pitch sees Ibrahimovic return following his domestic suspension, the pressure will once again return on him to produce in the big games. there is no doubting the players quality, but there are still doubts about his aptitude in more crucial games. If Zlatan can perform then Milan will score goals, his positioning this season has seen him influence games far more then last season, playing more like a number ten, then the target man he has done in the preceding few seasons in his career. we have seen his creativity as well as his clinical finishing put opposition defences to the sword.

In the middle of the park we look jaded, Seedorf, Van Bommel and Ambrosini have all seen better days, a new injection of energy is needed, Boateng looks to miss though injury, a player who has the dynamism needed to combat Arsenals pacey counter attacking style. If Milan can control the possession then energy isn't a huge problem, but if we start chasing the ball then the age of some players may begin to show.

This will be a close game, I think it may well finish a draw, with all to play for in the second leg

Maxi makes instant Impact in vital win for Milan

I don't think many people were expecting much from winter arrival Maxi Lopes, on loan form Catania, but he certainly gave his doubters something to think about following his first goal for the Rossoneri in a crucial game against outside title contenders Udinese in the Stadio Fruili in Udine.

The seemingly ageless Di Natale gave the hosts the lead in the 19th minute, his seventeenth goal this season and current top goal scorer in Serie A, two goals ahead of Milan's Ibrahimovic. At this point it appeared that a patched up Milan side was going to continue its poor form of this season by being unable to defeat any of their direct title rivals.

This all changed in the 77th Minute when the Argentine striker slotted the ball home with his left foot in the centre of the Udinese penalty area. This goal then galvanised the Milan attack, only seven minutes later the rising star that is El Shaarawy scored what turned out to be the winner, this gave Milan a massive three points away from home.

Next up for Milan is in the Champions League against inconsistent Arsenal, who this weekend came form behind in similar circumstances to beat Sunderland away from home 2-1. There is hope that some of the injured players may be able to return to the squad for the European fixture. Ibrahimovic will be available for this game, his ban only affecting domestic fixtures. Nesta, Pato and Flamini have all trained ahead of this fixture. All three players would definitely strengthen the squad for the first leg.

Back in Serie A this win puts Milan back on top of the table, although only two points ahead of Juventus, who also have two games in hand. It is looking like this title will go right to the wire.

The Imps have a second date with Braintree

Weather permitting Lincoln City will take on Braintree in the re-arranged fixture from the previous weekend on Tuesday. The team haven't played since the away defeat to Kettering on the 28th of January. Since that date there have been a few new signings for manager David Holdsworth.

These new signings, like the rest of the team have been kicking their heels waiting for the chance to prove their worth to the fans. We can only hope that the time has been well spent on the training ground working on integrating the new signings into the match day squad. The break could be a blessing in disguise for a side that has used so many players this season.

Braintree have had a fantastic season and currently lie in 13th place, a comfortable twelve points ahead of ourselves. Let us not forget that they are a part time team, a side that has stuck to playing basic, or effective football, depending on your view point. As they are a part time team some of their players will be working in the run up to this fixture and the travel up North, this should help the Imps, but as we know this is rarely the case for the side over the past season.

 Jefferson Louis, Louis Almond, Peter Bore and Nialle Rodney will all be looking to make their débuts for the Imps this Tuesday night. Louis should have no problem linking up with Pacquette in attack , they are cousins and have also played together previously in their well travelled careers.

Due to the large gap between fixtures for both sides recent form does go out of the window a bit, the Imps still remain very inconsistent and have really struggled to get a good run of games going at any point this season, with a second successive relegation still a strong possibility they will need to start picking up some hard points soon.

I am going to predict a home win for the Imps, the long travel for a side that will have players working before the fixture will not be ideal preparation and as a result I think they will battle hard but fall just short. It will be close but I think a narrow 1-0 home win is in order to get the Imps some distance from the relegation places.

Zlatan sees red as Milan fail to break down Napoli

What should have been a great match between two of the best sides Italy has to offer turned into one of those 0-0 draws that won't live long in the memory. The most important event to have occurred was the sending off for top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a stupid slap on Aronica in the second half. It was a deserved red, raising you hands is unforgivable in the modern game.

Robinho had the best chance for Milan, put through by a flick on off of the head of Ibrahinovic but his finish, like so many times this season, was very poor, slotting the ball wide for only 8 yards out. There were not too many openings in this game.

The slow build up that Milan employed today played right into the hands of Napoli, they are renowned as one of the best counter-attacking sides in the world, let alone Serie A. The speed with which they can break is quite impressive, Lavezzi, Cavani and Hamsik are all capable of playing anywhere across their attacking trio. Cavani at times today was dropping very deep and working hard to get behind the ball.

The amount of injuries that Milan are experiencing is hampering the side at the moment, the squad will be further stretched following the suspension that Zlatan will pick up for his red, it could even include the vital top of the table clash against Juventus. Today saw Emmanuelson once again playing on the right of the midfield trio, and once again he was poor. I would much rather his utilised as a left sided player, he has shown when playing there previously that he can provide good width and decent service with his left foot.

Milan never really looked like conceding to Napoli, but we never looked like getting the goal either, even when Zlatan was on the pitch, the lack of spark and service to Zlatan was very clear today, he was feeding of long balls and miss-placed passes, often having to come very deep to get the ball. I am not sure if Maxi is anyway near up to the standard to play as a striker for Milan. I hope that Pato can return to fitness soon as he can give the side some pace and movement which was lacking in the final third today.

In midfield we are missing Boateng and Aquilani, both are capable of providing that pass or bit of magic to unlock a defence. We still look to miss balance in the side, I feel that in time Mesbah will give us a great attacking option from left back, similar to Abate down the right flank.

It was another game that Milan failed to impose themselves on, we have really struggled against the fellow title contenders this season, and this could well prove to be our Achilles heal, being top scorers in the league doesn't mean anything if you can't produce against the best defences.

There is still along way to go this season, but with Zlatan missing the next few games it is hard to see where the goals are going to come from...I hope Maxi or El Shaarawy can step up to the plate in his absence, but they are massive boots to fill!