A welcome distraction but can City finally win?

By Nathan Jackson
November 9 2007

Lincoln City's FA Cup campaign starts on Saturday and it will be a welcome distraction and local rivals, Nottingham Forest. Can the Imps manage to get their first win since August 25th? It's the 5th season in a row that the Imps have drawn against a League One side in the first round, only one of the previous 4 occassions season the Imps progress, the other seeing us beat Brighton in 2003/4.

City's recent form in the FA Cup is woeful, going out at the first round stage in each of the last 3 seasons, losing out to Hartlepool, MK Dons and Port Vale. The last time City made the 2nd round was back in the 2003/4 season when City destroyed Brighton but were eliminated by Southend in the next round. City's last foray into the third round saw them draw then Championship side, Sunderland.

This season's FA Cup draw is one of the most difficult draws that City could have draw, especially with Forest pushing for automatic promotion for a second season in a row. The two sides haven't met since the 1956/7 season in a competitive competition, although City did win the friendly between the two at the beginning of last season.

Form couldn't be more contrasting going into this game. City have gone 10 weeks without a win in any competition whereas Forest have lost just 1 of their last 10 games.

The Imps head into the game with a bit of a selection headache. Despite Jackson's apparant lack of faith in him based on a radio interview during the week, Marriott will more than likely start in goal with Croft, Moses and Green in defence. The remaining place in defence is left in limbo a bit, with Beevers and Brown injured aswell as Bencharif ineligable, it is likely that either Ryan Amoo or Danny Hone will fill the final place.

With a last chance to impress Jackson before he plans on making his changes to the squad and bringing in new players, N'Guessan, Freck, Kerr and Hand will all have to improve recent performances in order to keep their places. With Torpey injured it is likely that Forrester and Dodds will start up front.

Forest's line up will more than likely contain former City player Junior Agogo and former City target Nathan Tyson.