By Nathan Jackson
February 26 2006

The Imps ended a 37 year stretch without a home win overs Notts County but Green and McCombe gave the Imps a 2-1 win. It was a good performance from the Imps and City could quite easily have won by at least 3 or 4 goals but at the end of the day, whether it but 2-1 or 6-1, a win is a win.

What a great game that was, truly entertaining and barring a second off, it had pretty much everything a game can offer and it was great to go to a game and thoroughly enjoy it for the first time in ages. City's form is now evidently paying dividends as for the first time this season, the Imps have entered the playoffs and if current form continues, the Imps could even sneak an automatic place, although City may have to settle for a playoff place.

There we plenty of reasons to be optimistic after a fairly comfortable win. We kept a good County side very quiet and although the visitors did have quite a lot of the ball, they couldn't do anything with it because the Imps were very determind to win the game.

I'm personally delighted for Francis Green, no player has put in more effort since this unbeaten run began back in December. He has worked his proverbial backside off since returning from the loan spell at Boston and he thoroughly deserved his goal. Also, Jamie McCombe's excellent season continues and a goal capped off another fine performance for the defender and he is currently being tipped by many as being the player of the season and if Morgan wants to be captain when he gets back from injury, he's going to have to work hard for it.

Overall, this win was vital and the added reward was realising that we were in the playoff places, however, the biggest test of 2006 will come on Saturday when the Imps travel to Carlisle, a team who's scored 12 goals in their last 3 home games.

Alan Marriott - 7 - Made several vital saves for City but never had a chance with the goal due to the nature of the free kick. Finally starting to find his old form and he looks a lot more confident than he did earlier in the season.

Jamie McCombe - 9 - How many supurbatives can I possibly use to describe McCombe. Jamie is having a great season and is proving an excellent captain in Paul Morgan's absense. Scored the winning goal and was a rock in defence.

Gareth McAuley - 5 - Nothing much happening for Gareth. There were several occasions during the match where he just ignored Marriott claiming the ball and almost scored an own goal. If there's one player out of the defence that we wouldn't find hard to replace, it's McAuley.

Colin Cryan - 8 - Another fine performance from the right back. His balls into the box were superb and could be another contender for player of the season but he has done fantastically well since joining the Imps.

Jeff Hughes - 9 - Jeff just gets better and better as the weeks go by. A tremendously good left back who has made the most of his chance. Didn't put a foot wrong on Saturday and must surely be set to win Young Player of the Year.

Scott Kerr - 5 - He still never really looks comfortable on the ball and often struggles to keep the ball under control. He provides dangerous set pieces but he didn't really threaten at all in this game.

Luke Foster - 8 - Foster resumed exactly where he had left off since his mysterious disappointment a few weeks ago. Tried very hard and the honesty of the youngster is not only very refreshing, but that combined with his skill, is making him a real fans favourite. Didn't put a single foot wrong all afternoon and was lucky not to open his account for City

Lee Frecklington - 5 - Frecklington's first relatively poor game for the Imps, he never got involved in the game and when called upon, much like Kerr, he looked uncomfortable on the ball. There were however some signs to indicate that this young player is one to watch.

Francis Green - 9 - Fantastic performance from Green and he got his deserved, overdue goal. He covered every blade of grass and was the driving force behind all of City's attacks. Should have scored a hatrick but his run of never scoring more than once in a match continues.

Simon Yeo - 7 - A much improved performance from Yeo compared to recent weeks. Wasted several oppurtunities (again), on any other day and against a keeper other than Pilkington, he would have easily scored a hatrick. At least he didn't miss 3 or 4 open goals this week.

Gary Birch - 6 - Had a relatively poor game compared to his recent form but still provided several decent balls to the other front men. Never got a shot in himself and he was clearly exhausted by the time he was substituted.

Martin Gritton - 5 - 5 by default because he didn't have enough time to make an impact.

Lee Beevers - 6 - Wasn't on the pitch for long but did provide a cross that almost resulted in City's 3rd goal.

"It's nice to get the three points, and it is nice to be in a play-off position. It will keep the doom-and-gloom merchants quiet."

"The players have been working their socks off lately. To be honest it was the kind of game where Simon Yeo could have had two or three goals and Franny Green had a couple of good chances. Lee Frecklington did well in a central role that was unfamiliar to him."

"Very entertaining game and fair do’s to County who obviously came with an intention of going for the win. Yeo could on a better day have score at least two of the five clear chances that were created. Franny also probably should have scored before he eventually did but full marks to him by the way he managed to loop the ball in from a very difficult angle under pressure from defender’s. All in all a good day to be an Imp." Southender

"Young Hughes really is starting to look like a class player, what with him and Gareth coming out of the N/I league one has to wonder how many more like them are potentially available. Best keep a little bit quiet though or else they'll be agents trying to tap him up."

 

"Utter rubbish. pipe defensive howler gave them their second goal on a plate. we started off ok in the first half and typical notts gave away a goal just before half time. i hate these players they are utter rubbish. not one of our "strikers" looks capable of scoring. scoffham is shit and dadi is lazy.
cant wait till the season is over, the stags will definately beat us on saturday and will then go above us in the table" jack1

"First 25 mins we were all over 'me like a rash, apart from on the break when Yeo got behind Doyle. For 20 mins in 2nd half we looked by far the better side. I thought Pipe, McMahon & Palmer were very impressive going forward. Some of Edwards' passes and headers were a delight, he set up no end of attacks/moves in both halves. We let in two soft goals again (Pipe & wilson both at fault for the winner) and failed to score despite numerous opportunities and half chances, partic in 1st half. To say the players were "rubbish" is nonsense imo - there was a lot of bright spots today - no points and another defeat admittedly but give a bit of credit where it is due." pies4u

"It's about time you lot beat us, congratulations on your win and make sure you reach those playoffs." Sarah Barradell (my County supporting sister who had never seen City beat County)