Yippee for 2008!

5th January 2008

Just five days have flown by since the new year began, and already, Lincoln City are looking a better side than in 2007!

Lincoln began their 2008 with a home match against Bury, where Keith Alexander is currently Director of Football. The match was poor in parts but was enlighten with a well crafted goal by Lincoln City in the 79th minute. Substitute Louis Dodds was the scorer as he capped off a wonderful four man move. Unfortunately for Lincoln, poor marking at a Bury corner saw the visitors equalise in the 85th minute through Andy Bishop.

Next up for Lincoln was a tough away fixture at promotion chasing Rochdale on Saturday 5th January. However, in-between these two games, Imps' boss Peter Jackson began his necessary wheeling and dealing in the transfer window - a must if Lincoln City are to survive in the Football League.

First, Jackson opted to allow Michael Roddy to leave Sincil Bank after deciding not to renew Roddy's six-month contract. As yet, there is no word on whether Ollie Ryan will be offered an extension to his six-month contract, which also expires this month.

Next, Jackson swooped for two left-sided players; a necessity as Lincoln are short of left-sided players with left-back Gary Croft have incurred an injury. Joining Lincoln first was Cheltenham Town's Lee Ridley, who plays at left-back. Next, was left-winger Adam Smith, who joins from League Two rivals Chesterfield Town. Both players were instantly added to the squad to face Rochdale.

As it turned out, only Ridley would be given a starting debut. Joining Ridley in making his Imps' debut was midfielder Shane Clarke, who was deputising for the suspended Scott Kerr and Jamie Hand. Adam Smith would have to make do with a place on the substitutes' bench, as would goalkeeper Ben Smith. This meant that fans' favourite Alan Marriott was recalled to the starting line-up as Lincoln looked to keep a clean sheet for the first time since August 2007. The recall of Marriott has pleased many Lincoln supporters, who had recently voiced their opinion that Marriott should play.

Lincoln began nervously but the first half was a very even affair and ended at 0-0. With that behind them, Lincoln began the second half in a more confident mood. However, it was not until the 82nd minute before the deadlock was broken. Adam Smith's volley was parried by Rochdale goalkeeper Sam Russell but only as far as Jamie Forrester, who accepted the invitation to score Lincoln's first goal.

The nerves of Lincoln's supporters were quickly spared as a minute later, Lee Frecklington sent a stinging 25-yard shot past Russell for 2-0 to Lincoln. Overall, a much needed win, which extends Lincoln's unbeaten start to the year to two games.

There remains a long way to go until May, but if Lincoln can take confidence from this victory - and there is every reason why they should - then they can slow but surely begin climbing the League Two table.

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