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!
Monday, 23 April 2012
Friday, 20 April 2012
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!
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!
Monday, 16 April 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 5 April 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 2 April 2012
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.
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.
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