Consistency Required

9th October 2007

Three weeks ago, The Forgotten Imp wrote how Lincoln City FC were entering a crucial four game period that could shape their season. However, from the twelve points available, The Imps only collected a mere two. Unsurprisingly, this has left Lincoln in the relegation spots.

The period began badly for Lincoln when they succumb to a 2-1 home defeat against county rivals Grimsby Town. To make matters worse, the winning goal came via the penalty spot and was scored by ex-Imp Ciaran Toner.

Next, the travelling Imps headed to then bottom club Wrexham. A 1-0 victory for Wrexham has helped to left their relegation fears but in truth this was a poor match by two mediocre teams. Lincoln's performance was particularly bad though. Immediately after the match, Imps' manager John Schofield promised changes to his starting eleven.

Indeed, he was true to his word, as players like Jamie Forrester, Mark Stallard and Lee Frecklington lost their first team place when Lincoln travelled to Bury. The match ended as a 1-1 draw but all three points would have been Lincoln's but for a blunder by Alan Marriott who went awol off his goal line to gift Bury their equaliser.

More team changes were afoot as Lincoln entertained Football League newcomers Morecambe at Sincil Bank last Saturday. The match ended another 1-1 draw but yet again, a defensive error cost Lincoln all three points. This time, a misunderstanding between Marriott and Lee Beevers saw the latter prod the ball into his net.

So what now for Lincoln City?

It might be an old football cliche but Lincoln really do need to take each game as it comes. This is because if they study the fixture list, they might well fear for their future as The Imps face some tricky matches starting against leaders Milton Keynes Dons on Sunday!

The best advice we can give Schofield is to select his first team eleven on a consistent basis for the next four or five matches, starting with tonight's Johnstone Paint Trophy match against Hartlepool United at Sincil Bank. Under the competition's rules, sides must field 75% of their first team. Incidentally, 75% of 11 is 8.25 players - we will not be cruel as to speculate who the 0.25 of a player will be!

So has the past four matches been a complete disaster for Lincoln?

Actually, no. Although they earnt only two points, there was a definite improvement during their past two matches. Players began to pass the ball during parts of the matches, and showed some neat touches, especially in creating their goal against Morecambe. This has been something that has been absent for some time now, unlike at the start of last season when Lincoln were collecting points via neat passing moves.

Up The Imps!!

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