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.
Friday, 30 March 2012
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
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?
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?
Monday, 26 March 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, 25 March 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 23 March 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 19 March 2012
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?
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?
Friday, 16 March 2012
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?
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?
Monday, 12 March 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 9 March 2012
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!
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!
Monday, 5 March 2012
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
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
Friday, 2 March 2012
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.
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.
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