Forget Boston United and Scunthorpe, for true Lincoln fans a battle with the ‘old enemy’ Grimsby is THE highlight of the season.
Tonight’s match at Blundell Park is only the third League meeting between the two sides in the last 15 years and the Imps will be hopeful of a repeat of last season’s performance when they thumped the Mariners 4-2, with Simon Yeo bagging a hat-trick.
Can Keith Alexander make it another happy trip to his old stomping ground? Or will City wilt in the freezing conditions on the North-East Lincolnshire coast?
Vital Quotes:
Russell Slade, Grimsby boss:
‘There’s usually not much in these sorts of games and I expect it will be tight again.’
Keith Alexander, Lincoln manager:
‘We enjoyed an excellent result here last year and it would be fantastic for everyone if we could manage a repeat.’
Grimsby Town Team News:
Veteran full-back John McDermott is doubtful for the Mariners as he is struggling with an ankle injury, while midfielder Jean-Paul Kamudimba Kalala is unlikely to play as he has a calf strain. Striker Michael Reddy should play despite suffering from flu.
Player to watch: Gary Cohen
Eyebrows were raised in Cleethorpes when Town boss Russell Slade recruited Gary Cohen from Scottish side Gretna in the summer.
But the 21-year-old forward is now beginning to show the sort of form that prompted Slade to sign the former Watford trainee ? he has scored four goals in his last six outings ? and City will have to watch him closely tonight.
Lincoln City Team News:
Scott Kerr returns to the City squad following suspension, but skipper Paul Morgan will again miss out with an ankle injury. Boss Keith Alexander will have to decide whether to keep faith with Luke Foster or bring Kerr back into the fray. Dean Keates serves the final installment of a three-game ban
Player to watch: Colin Cryan
A free transfer signing from Scarborough in the summer, Irish defender Cryan has been a revelation for the Imps this season.
Equally at home in the right-back position, in the heart of the defence or in midfield, the 24-year-old Dublin-born man has not had a bad game for City since arriving from the Seadogs and Town will have their work cut out trying to find a way past him.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
If this turns into the usual derby tussle then expect a draw, with neither side wanting to lose face to their big rivals.
Next Fixtures:
Grimsby:
Dec 31 ? Wrexham (a)
Lincoln:
Dec 31 ? Darlington (h)
