This weekend it’s trip to Peterborough United which awaits Michael Appleton and his Lincoln City squad with the aim of building upon the terrific victory over Sunderland at Sincil Bank last Saturday.
Darren Ferguson’s men will represent a stern test for The Imps as the home side have a growing reputation for goalscoring thanks to their attacking trio of Marcus Maddison, Ivan Toney and Mo Eisa who have netted the lion’s share of The Posh’s goals this season. However, with The Imps sat just two points behind this weekend’s hosts in SkyBet League Two and fresh from the aforementioned win over The Black Cats, it’s shaping up to be a very interesting encounter at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Recent Form
Darren Ferguson’s side come into the game against City following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Wycombe Wanderers last weekend. The Posh had raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of Eisa and Josh Wright before Adebayo Akinfenwa reduced the arrears, then an own goal from ‘keeper Christy Pym levelled things for Wanderers. Toney restored the visitors lead with twenty minutes to go and it looked to have given them all three points but a last gasp penalty in injury time from Akinfenwa broke the visiting fan’s hearts, giving Gareth Ainsworth’s side a share of the spoils.
Despite being involved in some high scoring games so far this season, United’s form in their last five games has only seen them win twice in all competitions. They won by the odd goal in five against AFC Wimbledon in their last SkyBet League One outing at home, and defeated Arsenal Under 21’s in the Leasing.Com Trophy. Those successes came following away games which resulted in a draw and a loss against Tranmere and Doncaster Rovers respectively.
Manager’s Comments
Posh manager Darren Ferguson told the club’s official website he is looking forward to the game this weekend against The Imps as he says his side enjoy the pressure of playing infront of big crowds and he’s expecting quite the atmosphere on Saturday as a large away contingent will be doing their bit to cheer on City.
"When the fixtures came out, one of the first games I looked for was Lincoln at home. It might not be classed as a derby in the Northampton/Cambridge sense, but it is not far up the road and I am sure there will be a good crowd.
“They brought in Jack Payne and Jorge Grant during the summer, good technical players and in Tyler Walker they have a player who knows where the back of the net is. Yes, they can mix it up with John Akinde as he provides a physical threat, but generally their style is different (to last season).
"Michael Appleton will put his own stamp on things in terms of the way they play. They have some good technical players and they will be in good spirits after their win over Sunderland at the weekend. It is a game I am looking forward too.”
One To Watch - Marcus Maddison
Maddison joined Posh following a spell with Gateshead in the summer of 2014 and since then he’s made himself a firm crowd favourite, since opening his account with the club in his only his second game for the club, in a EFL Trophy win over Leyton Orient, the first of over 50 goal to date for the team from the Weston Homes Stadium.
Last season, Maddison finished last season as the player with the most assists in League One with fifteen to his name as well as netting ten goals of his own in 46 appearances.
The 26 year old attacking midfielder has continued his positive form this term too, scoring six goals so far and creating as many opportunities for his teammates who are currently the top scorers in SkyBet League One.
Over 2,500 tickets have already been sold to Imps' supporters but there are still some available for the game against Posh for City supporters, via Eventbrite – HERE - or in person at the Club Store at Sincil Bank until 12pm today.
