Cowley wants derby win ‘for the fans’

Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal was accused by Owls fans of not respecting the importance of the ‘Steel City’ derby after his side were sunk by Sheffield United last Sunday, but the Lincoln City faithful will be heartened by Danny Cowley’s rallying cry ahead of the Imps’ big trip to Blundell Park on Saturday.

This will be the first time Cowley has experienced the thrills of the premier Lincolnshire derby and says he and is players are desperate to get a win to repay some of the ‘unbelievable’ City support.

He said: ‘We know that Saturday means an awful lot to them, we are aware of how much it means to the people of Lincoln to get bragging rights against Grimsby. A really good performance on Saturday and a good result might put some smiles on their faces.

‘We really think we owe them and we will be doing everything we can to put in a really good performance and continue to make them proud. What fourth division team would lose 4-1 on the Saturday and come home a few days later to that support and atmosphere? We will never be able to replay our fans for their support, never ever. They are frighteningly good – they are so beyond this level, it is embarrassing.’