When Lincoln won five successive games between January and February it looked as if their season was safe. But, after a winless run of nine games, the Imps are now looking back over their shoulders as they bid to maintain their Football League status.
Manager Steve Tilson seemed to have improved the team spirit at Sincil Bank and was held in higher regard than his predecessor Chris Sutton. But, whatever the fans’ opinions of Tilson are now, the most important thing is sticking together and ensuring the Imps avoid relegation.
City could have given their survival hopes a big boost with a home win over fellow strugglers Cheltenham on Easter Monday, but it just wasn’t to be. Lincoln started the game brightly but failed to create enough decent clear cut chances. The best effort of the first half fell to the usually reliable Ashley Grimes, but the on-loan Millwall striker shot over the bar. The Imps fans also felt aggrieved midway through the first half when Josh Low lunged in on Danny Hone and only received a yellow card.
Low was again in the thick of the action when he headed home the opener after 65 minutes and, although there was still plenty time left to get back into the game, the goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Lincoln.
You wouldn’t have thought these teams were playing to preserve their Football League status, although it was clear that a team with one of the worst home records in the division was playing against one of the poorest travellers in League Two. Cheltenham virtually assured they would be in League Two for another season when Danny Andrew curled in a free-kick two minutes from time.
The frustration was building for the Imps fans who began chanting “You’re not fit to wear the shirt”. This could be seen as a fair accusation to many of the players as the majority of the team disappointed on the day. They should have taken a leaf out of the book of Danny Hone and Paul Green, particularly the latter, as the duo put in a much more gutsy display than their team mates.
But the reality is Lincoln are simply not scoring enough goals at the moment and their home form is unacceptable. Tilson’s men still have control over their own destiny with two games to play, but Saturday’s trip to Oxford now takes on an even bigger significance.
The Imps lie down in 21st place in League Two and just two points clear of the relegation zone. Second-bottom Barnet have started picking up form at the right time and are just one point behind Northampton and only two away from Lincoln, while Burton and Hereford are also not safe yet. Lincoln certainly need to play with a lot more hunger and desire against Oxford, and in the final game at home to Aldershot, or they could be in big trouble.
Will they survive? I think so…but only just!
Monday, 25 April 2011
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Bolt-on course with Coyle despite defeat
Bolton fans endured a torrid time at Wembley after their side were demolished 5-0 by Stoke in the 2011 FA Cup Semi-Final. It was simply unacceptable for the Trotters and it will be a bitter pill to swallow for their supporters. However, they should not be too critical of their manager Owen Coyle. Coyle did get things wrong on the day and the players didn't perform to their usual standard, but the Lancashire club must remember just how much he has done for the club since taking over in January 2010.
When former boss Gary Megson was sacked in December 2009, Bolton were down in 18th in the Barclays Premier League. But Bolton avoided relegation as Coyle led them to a 14th-place finish. With just over a month left of the 2010/11 campaign, the Trotters lie up in 8th and Coyle deserves huge credit for transforming them into a team that are now competing in the top half of the table. Bolton have lost just two league games at the Reebok this season and, while their away form is relatively poor, they are still performing far better compared with recent years. The Trotters are no longer flirting with relegation, but are now a side others find tough to play...although Stoke may disagree!
Coyle must also be praised for securing the capture of Daniel Sturridge on loan from Chelsea in January. The 21-year-old has already netted six goals in eight games for the Trotters and is a big hit at the club. Personally, I believe a permanent move to Bolton this summer would be a great career move for Sturridge. Game time at Chelsea would be very limited, but at Bolton he seems to be in his element and Coyle is clearly able to get the best out of him.
Coyle will need to strengthen his squad further during the off-season. But both supporters and outsiders looking in should appreciate just what a good job he has done so far. Miracles do not happen overnight, but during his first year in charge he has already made Bolton into a far better attacking side...let's just hope fans can forgive him for the embarrassing FA Cup exit.
Football clubs' boards and their fans have increasingly high expectations these days and this season it has resulted in numerous managerial sackings, especially in the Football League. Success is amazing for supporters and we always crave more, regardless of who our team is. Losing a cup semi-final is always going to be a bitter pill to swallow as it means missing out on the final and potential silverware. But fans need to stay grounded and not forget improvements that have taken place on the pitch.
For Bolton to now be a team challenging in the top half of the table is a fantastic achievement! Prior to their semi-final defeat to Stoke, I said to a few people that Coyle is a very strong contender for manager of the season....and even after their poor result against the Potters, I'm going to stand by that statement 100%!
When former boss Gary Megson was sacked in December 2009, Bolton were down in 18th in the Barclays Premier League. But Bolton avoided relegation as Coyle led them to a 14th-place finish. With just over a month left of the 2010/11 campaign, the Trotters lie up in 8th and Coyle deserves huge credit for transforming them into a team that are now competing in the top half of the table. Bolton have lost just two league games at the Reebok this season and, while their away form is relatively poor, they are still performing far better compared with recent years. The Trotters are no longer flirting with relegation, but are now a side others find tough to play...although Stoke may disagree!
Coyle must also be praised for securing the capture of Daniel Sturridge on loan from Chelsea in January. The 21-year-old has already netted six goals in eight games for the Trotters and is a big hit at the club. Personally, I believe a permanent move to Bolton this summer would be a great career move for Sturridge. Game time at Chelsea would be very limited, but at Bolton he seems to be in his element and Coyle is clearly able to get the best out of him.
Coyle will need to strengthen his squad further during the off-season. But both supporters and outsiders looking in should appreciate just what a good job he has done so far. Miracles do not happen overnight, but during his first year in charge he has already made Bolton into a far better attacking side...let's just hope fans can forgive him for the embarrassing FA Cup exit.
Football clubs' boards and their fans have increasingly high expectations these days and this season it has resulted in numerous managerial sackings, especially in the Football League. Success is amazing for supporters and we always crave more, regardless of who our team is. Losing a cup semi-final is always going to be a bitter pill to swallow as it means missing out on the final and potential silverware. But fans need to stay grounded and not forget improvements that have taken place on the pitch.
For Bolton to now be a team challenging in the top half of the table is a fantastic achievement! Prior to their semi-final defeat to Stoke, I said to a few people that Coyle is a very strong contender for manager of the season....and even after their poor result against the Potters, I'm going to stand by that statement 100%!
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