Grimsby v Lincoln Preview

It must be nice for some Lincoln fans not have to worry that the season may be extended for another play-off defeat. Chris Sutton’s arrival in September ended the 2 year reign of Peter Jackson who had through all intent and purposes moved the club backwards. Before the former Huddersfield’s managers arrival The Imps were always fighting it out in the play-offs and though many moaned about Alexander’s kick and rush tactics they were effective in this league. Jackson’s pledge to play attractive and successful football failed beyond all doubt. Lincoln were amongst us favourites for the drop even before a ball was kicked confidence wasn’t high in the Cathedral City many dreading the idea of non-league football. Those who did had a point by the end of September Lincoln were staring relegation in the face the club had managed to collect just 9 points and even found themselves behind The Mariners who had a game in hand. Since Sutton’s arrival the club's fortunes may not have immediately turned but they had certainly improved. Two wins on the bounce against Aldershot and Macclesfield propelled the club to 15th and all looked rosy. There Sutton’s honeymoon period ended the club dropped dramatically a winless November in the league was only mildly improved on by wins in the FA Cup against non-league opposition. The Imps weren’t going to record another victory in the league till their very last game of 2009 where a 2-1 victory left the club 21st and 5 points clear of ourselves.

For a brief moment the club were once again on the up. Sutton's team had been buoyed by new loan arrivals from Fulham and Villa alike and though victories are hardly coming thick and fast a few priceless 3 points over those around them meant The Imps were scrambling clear of the pack by the end of January. February has been an entirely different story, rumours of a disillusioned team under Sutton’s management have become prevalent and the club have only 1 victory in 6 the victory coming on Tuesday night against Accrington, where 2 goals in 7 minutes spared their blushes. Lincoln are currently 19th and now they’re 10 points clear of ourselves surely they can’t be dragged back into the battle, can they?

Gareth Evans. Currently on loan from Rangers not much is known about the 22 year old man from North Ayrshire but he is quickly settling in to life at Sincil Bank. Having just played 4 matches he has a score rate we would die for 1 every other game. The striker made his debut for the blue half of Glasgow against Inverness on 27th December 2006 and has yet to score for the club. He was sent out on loan last season to Patrick Thistle where 8 games didn’t produce a goal but came back with an impressive report from the club. His arrival at Lincoln has seen an upturn in results and his goals could well prove crucial to their final push to avoid the drop and more importantly could be devastating for our chances as well. Not to mention he has a bloody good looking missus at home so let’s not feel too bad is he fails to get on the score sheet on Saturday.