Imps look to make it 12 and a playoff place

By Nathan Jackson
October 21 2003

Lincoln are looking to make it 12 games in all competitions without defeat as they entertain lowly Macclesfield. If City win, they can move into a playoff place if results go their way.

Before this run started, City were in deep trouble, infact, they occupied one of the relegation places but now, after 6 wins and 5 draws in the league, City are now just 2 places and 1 point off the playoffs.

City's recent form has been extremely impressive, infact, City managed 3 3-1 wins the space of 7 days at Scunthorpe and at home to Telford and Huddersfield. If results go City's way tonight, they could move into a playoff place.

Macclesfield have only won 2 of the last 10 games. Their most significant victory so far is the impressive 4-1 victory at home to Yeovil. They won their first away game of the season last Saturday when a beautiful-Willis-esque free kick was the only goal against a very poor Carlisle side.

Last season, City won both games against Macclesfield. At Sincil Bank, it was 3-0 to Lincoln after goals from Yeo (2) and Willis. The game at Moss Rose on boxing day was much tighter and only a piece of brilliance from Peter Gain managed to give the Imps all 3 points.

Macclesfield's main threat, is striker Martin Carruthurs who signed from Scunthorpe at the end of last season but he hasn't found his goalscoring boots so far, infact, scoring just 1 goal this season.

Macclesfield only taste of glory so far is getting promoted in 1997/8 along with the Imps. This was their first season in the football league and didn't lose at home all season. However, Moss Rose has been a very good place for away teams over the last few years. Last season, they went 6 months without winning at home and had the worst home record out of anyone in the division.

LAST 5 RESULTS AGAINST MACCLESFIELD

Macclesfield 0 City 1
City 3 Macclesfield 0
City 1 Macclesfield 0
Macclesfield 0 City 1
City 1 Macclesfield 2

Predictions - I don't mean to sound arrogant or anything but I fully expect City to beat Macclesfield by at least 2 goals. I reckon another 3-1 victory is on the cards and City's rise up the table will continue.