For just the second time in eight years, The Imps are playing in what we used to call The League Cup, but which is now known as The Carabao Cup. Yet again, we have been drawn away, last year it was Rotherham. This season sees a few rule changes; for one thing, there will not only be no replays but no extra time, too. If a game finishes as a draw at 90 minutes, then penalty kicks will be taken immediately and those will revert to the old system ABABa, with the ABBA method consigned to history.
Neal Eardley in action during last season’s defeat to Rotherham United. (Photograph from Reuters)
In my youth, Lincoln had a much better time in the League Cup than they ever did in the FA Cup, reaching the last 16 on one occasion (Vs Derby County, 1967/68 beating Newcastle Utd on the way) just a year after losing 5-0 at Leicester City in the Third Round. They also reached the Third Round in 1970/71 (beat Sunderland 2-1 before losing at Crystal Palace 4-0) and 1971/72 (beat Blackburn 4-1 at home in a replay before losing 4-2 at Rodney Marsh’s QPR). As the amazing FA Cup run of two years ago, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Trophy the same season and the stunning Checkatrade Trophy run last season all proved how capable we can be in cup matches, it’s surely time we did something in this competition again!
Michael Bostwick in action during last season’s defeat to Rotherham United. (Photograph from Reuters)
I expect Danny Cowley will play some of the squad members so as to give them valuable game time, but that shouldn’t reduce our overall strength on the pitch. As ever, he will be going for the win, make no mistake. Vale beat Cambridge 3-0 at home in their first game of the season before losing 2-0 at Colchester on Saturday. Like City, Vale have also only ever reached the last 16 (round 4) once in their history, back in 2006 when they eventually lost 3-1 at White Hart Lane Vs Spurs. They were, at that time, playing in League One. We have played them once before in this Cup, back in August 1993 when the first round was a two-legged affair; we drew 2-2 at Vale Park before a 0-0 draw at Sincil Bank saw is through on the away goals rule. A win for City would bring about parity as so far, in 85 games played against each other in all competitions, we have won 31, they have won 32 and 22 have been drawn.
I believe we are on a roll and Danny and Nicky will have done their homework and we will win in the 90 minutes.
Predicted Score: Port Vale 1 Lincoln City 2
Next up: Grimsby Town.
Writer: Impalex
City Eager To Progress In Cup Amid Vale's Tears:https://t.co/sP9KMM6ocJ#PVFC #ImpsAsOne #CarabaoCup
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 14, 2018
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/1811945655508338
