By Nathan Jackson
February 10 2006

Lincoln could be just 1 point off the playoff places at 5pm on Saturday if they manage to beat struggling Torquay United. The game comes one day shy of the 6th anniversary of the last time City beat the Gulls but the Imps must win this game and maintain the run of just 1 defeat in 13 games.

If the Imps do make the playoffs, Saturday's result against Torquay could be the point at which the Imps cemented a playoff challenge. With the Imps just 3 points off the playoffs, a win would see the Imps move up at least a few places as several teams above the Imps are playing each other. Cheltenham (9th) face a tricky trip to Northampton (4th) and Darlington (7th) play Bristol Rovers (8th). This means that if the Imps do win against Torquay, they could be within 1 point of the playoff places at 5pm on Saturday afternoon.

It's been an interesting 2006 so far for the Imps and City are so far undefeated this year, however, City haven't beaten Torquay for almost exactly 6 years and it's safe to say, that City always struggle against Torquay and the Gulls almost prevented one of the most memorable moments in the Imps' history when current Imp, Martin Gritton had given Torquay a lead until Yeo's shot deflected off Ruben Hazell's shoulder and into the net.

There is nothing major to report. Morgan has nearly recovered from his broken foot but will still be out for a few weeks. One major debating point could be whether Lee Frecklington makes his first ever start for the Imps. He has impressed many fans in recent weeks but Keith's preference for Nat Brown could very well see the former Huddersfield man continue in the midfield.

Who I think will start (Right to left)

Marriott

Cryan   McCombe    McAuley   Hughes

S/Robinson    Kerr     Brown

Gritton   Yeo    Green

 

Torquay have found their return to this division after a 1 year stint in League One. Just 7 wins from their 31 outings this season, including a controversial victory over the Imps in September, explains exactly why Torquay are currently languishing in 22nd, one place and 4 points above the relegation places held by Stockport and Rushden.

The step up to League One after a highly successful season meant that their players automatically caught the attention of other clubs and prolific Scottish striker, David Graham was sold to Wigan before last season even began and many Torquay fans blamed the lack of a regular goalscorer as the reason they went down.

City will certainly have their hands full with lumbering forward, Morike Sako who stands at a huge 6 foot 7, 2 inches taller than Jamie McCombe. Torquay, much like the Imps rely prodominantly on the long ball tactics, however, unlike the Imps, Torquay don't appear to have tried to drop these tactics in the last few years but now, with the lack of a half decent striker, the 60 yard punts upfield mean that Torquay usually miss out on goals and just 39 goals this season tells it's own story. The story being that the Imps have also scored 39 goals but Torquay's defence has obviously failed to cope.

With Leroy Resenior being sacked (or the usual line of crap that is "by mutual consent) recently, it will be interesting to see if Torquay try something different to booting it 50 miles upfield only to see the ball bounce out for a goalkick.