The Passing Game

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26th July 2006

Lincoln City FC play host to Nottingham Forest FC tonight in what promises to be an entertaining game of football.

Both sides have changed managers in recent months, and with that has come a change of style for both clubs. Now, both clubs are playing passing football, although Forest's results have yet to show the benefit.

Forest have failed to gel together during their past two friendly matches against MK Dons and Mansfield, although the Mansfield match was abandoned in the second half. The problem appears to be in the final third of the field, which has forced Forest manager Colin Calderwood to tell his players "to sharpen up in front of goal".

Ironically, Forest have two of the best strikers to grace League Two last season on their books. These are Nathan Tyson and Grant Holt but Forest's fans have openly questioned whether the pair can adapt to passing football.

Meanwhile, Lincoln City's players have shown no problems in adapting to passing football and several appear to be relishing the prospect - not least Danny Bacon, who struggled to make an impact in Keith Alexander's team before injury ended his 2005/06 season.

Lincoln also have winger Ryan Semple, who should provide plenty of crosses for the strikers. However, Semple is one of several players who is unlikely to play against Forest due to injury. Adie Moses (shoulder), Paul Mayo (groin) and Jeff Hughes (hamstring) are three others who will probably sit out this friendly.

This should allow Ryan Amoo another game in defence. Amoo yesterday agreed a one-year contract with Lincoln and has the ability to play in central defence, central midfield or as an attacking midfielder.

Tonight's match also throws up a mentor versus pupil situation as Calderwood was manager at Northampton Town when John Deehan was their Director of Football. Both men are very good friends.