Lincoln travel to Essex looking to bounce back from the horrendously poor performance and result against lower-league North Ferriby in the FA Trophy last week. Braintree will be tricky opponents, with the part-timers currently belying their low budget by sitting comfortably in the top half of the Skrill Premier, six points ahead of Lincoln with two games in hand – perhaps proof that Lincoln’s dismal showing for the bulk of the season so far can’t be blamed solely upon the funds available to Gary Simpson.
Before last week’s FA Trophy game, the Imps seemed to have turned a corner, with three very encouraging performances in a row culminating in a 4-1 rout against high-flying Alfreton, and they will be looking to recreate those performances and remain unbeaten in the League in 2014.
It’s unlikely to be a pretty game, with Braintree’s pitch being infamously poor condition, and the ball undoubtedly struggling to roll, and so fans can expect a scrap and plenty of long balls into the channels. This, however, is something that Lincoln fans should feel much more confident about given the return of Delano Sam-Yorke, the big target-man who’s been a revelation since joining from Cambridge on loan. Against North Ferriby, Lincoln were devoid of presence up front ensuring that whenever the ball was cleared it came straight back. This won’t be the case upon Sam-Yorke’s return. Mitch Austin also returns having been cup-tied last Saturday, which’ll be a boost, alongside Alan Power coming back from suspension.
In light of these returning players, I’d expect Lincoln to start with Farman in goal, who will surely be eager to make amends for his horror show against North Ferriby. The back four picks itself, with Miller, Brown, Foster and Newton all having had a week to get back to full speed. Jon Nolan and Todd Jordan may well continue their partnership in the centre of midfield, with Power coming into the side in place of Dixon and looking to link midfield with attack. Conner Robinson may not be risked on a tricky pitch, and so we could see Sheridan or Tomlinson on the opposite flank to Austin, with Sam-Yorke playing up top in his own, looking to get on the end of things, and hold the ball up while his team-mates get forward in support. Braintree’s side is likely to feature a player who should be familiar to Lincoln fans: Exodus Geohaghon, the big defender whose long throw-ins will no doubt cause problems.
There is plenty to talk about on the forum at the moment!
Discussions about a New Stadium, Yussuf going out on loan again, Braintree ‘looking to the heavens’ and a bid being made for a player!
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