During their first season back in the Football League, The Imps picked up two points against tomorrow’s opponents Morecambe. The first meeting of last season, which was played at Sincil Bank on Saturday 12th August in front of a crowd of 8,060, finished 1-1. Aaron Wildig put the visitors ahead in the 53rd minute, with Matt Green making it 1-1 17 minutes later.
The away match was played at the Globe Arena on Saturday 24th March in front of a crowd of 1,883. This match finished 0-0, and the less said about it the better. Below you will find the “highlights”.
Fast forward to this season. The Imps hosted Morecambe on Saturday 15th December in front of a crowd of 7,975. City were 3-1 winners that day. The City goals were scored by Harry Anderson (7′), John Akinde (PEN 33′) and Jason Shackell (37′). Former Imps striker Kevin Ellison scored a consolation goal for The Shrimps in the 80th minute.
Time for the Q&As. Thank you to Morecambe supporters Stuart and Alan for answering our questions! The answers have been published on separate pages. To get to the second set of answers, simply click “click here for the next set of answers!” at the bottom right of the article, or click HERE.
First up, the answers provided by Stuart!
How long have you supported Morecambe?
Approximately 15 years.
Where did you finish last season?
22nd – by the skin of our teeth. Took the last day 0-0 draw at Coventry to survive on goal difference.
What do you think of your Manager?
He can divide opinion. He has done wonders keeping the club in the league with no budget whatsoever and some astute signings, so it says a lot about the man who will work for nothing when we’ve had ownership and paying wages issues in the past few seasons. Morecambe through and through so I’ve got a lot of respect for him.
What were your hopes and expectations at the start of the season?
As always, staying up is the aim. Anything more is a bonus. Always hope for a bit of a cup run like Newport and yourselves have had in previous seasons just for some much-needed revenue but league survival is always the priority.
One(s) to watch?
Kevin Ellison still has it as he approaches 40. Our new signings Bennett and Collins have settled in well and seem to be linking up quite nicely.
Who do you think will finish in the top 7?
Not too much changing from who are there at the moment (although not necessarily in that order!). I can see Exeter and Tranmere sneaking in at the expense of Carlisle though.
Who do you think will finish in the bottom 2?
Hopefully anyone but us! Yeovil and Port Vale are on a slide, can see Notts County going on a bit of a run and getting themselves clear.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Strong, attacking team with quality all over the pitch.
What do you think the score will be?
Hoping of course for a Morecambe win but I think Lincoln will edge it – 2-1 Lincoln.
Random fact about your Club?
Brian Clough once applied for the manager’s position back in the 60s. He got turned down and went to Hartlepool instead.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?
Always had a soft spot for John Akinde. Knows where the goal is and is a very versatile forward. Hoped we would have tried for him in the summer when he was available but obviously, budgets will have been a stumbling block.
What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Morecambe Supporter?
Proudest – staying up at Coventry. Even though we’d had our safety in our own hands for the previous three matches and blown it each time, no-one gave us a chance. Needed a point or to better Barnet’s result and got the 0-0. Worst 90 minutes of my life but worth it in the end.
Embarrassing – been a few, a 7-0 away to Cambridge a few seasons ago on a cold Tuesday night wasn’t ideal!
Who would you say is your most underrated player?
Alex Kenyon. Might not be a “luxury” player but plays with passion and grit and definitely doesn’t shy away from the dirty work.
Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?
Yes, there is a supporters group called the Shrimps Trust. They act as a link between the supporters and the board, and help fundraise and sometimes help to put on coaches for away fixtures.
Which was your favourite match involving Morecambe?
There have been a few dramatic ones. I’d say a 4-3 home win v Chesterfield after being 3-0 down at halftime a few seasons ago will be up there. And of course, winning the Playoff final!
Which was your least favourite match involving Morecambe?
Again, sometimes there’s more than you can count. I’d have to say the Cambridge one as above. A close contender was Crewe away the first game of this season, 6-0 defeat and it seemed the players were all still on the beach.
Do you have a Former Players Association at Morecambe?
Not aware of one.
What’s the best thing about Morecambe?
Friendly, down to earth club with genuine fans – and the pies are pretty special!
Following two successive (and excellent) away wins, how do you see the remainder of the season for your team; comfortable mid-table survival or still in a relegation battle?
Very much still in a relegation battle. Every point is vital. For me, we just have to keep on winning and keep the momentum going. We play Notts County away in mid-March and for me, that’s the acid test. Win that, could almost confirm one relegation spot and would definitely drag us out of contention. Lose, squeaky bum time again!
You do very well to keep going on small gates, how do you do it?
We have a very loyal fan base who feel like family, everyone is in it together. Morecambe struggles as a location you’ve got Premier League and Championship football not far away at all, so most people would rather go down to the likes of Preston and watch than support their local team. The move to the Globe Arena did mean there has been a slight slump due to the location (although it’s not exactly out of town compared to some stadiums!) plus the league position/quality on show can sometimes play a part. The club does hand out season tickets every year to local schoolchildren to help the next generation come through. There has been a series of initiatives over the years to try and boost the crowd – there was one game that was completely free which was completely packed and whenever we have had a half decent cup run (we played Wolves and Newcastle in the cup a few years ago, Sky Sports and all that jazz) so people obviously jump on the bandwagon. So it’s a case of trying to entice these armchair fans to come more regularly. Price, especially in the area, can be an issue as Morecambe generally isn’t economically well off. At least the fans who do turn up home and away week in week out stick together through thick and thin.
"He has done wonders keeping the club in the league with no budget whatsoever."https://t.co/SO36C0Lck5#MorecambeFC #Morecambe #ImpsAsOne
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 22, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2072720606097507
