By theimps.tk
April 30 2006

The Imps are just 90 minutes away from the playoffs following Gareth McAuley's goal on the hour mark against Shrewsbury. There were a few things to moan about as usual but there were also things to remain optimistic about there's also now a high chance that City will face Grimsby in the playoffs.

It was like a mirror image of the game at Sincil Bank. Yet again the home side dominated the match but the visitors score with their only chance on target but unlike that time, the Imps were fortunate enough to keep a clean sheet and secure the 3 points. Those 3 points, coupled with Peterborough and Bristol Rovers losing, has all but assured the Imps of a playoff place and if we do manage to go up this year, it will be ironic in a way, after losing for 3 years with a better team, we win them after being pretty rubbish for the majority of the season.

City have definatly started pushing their luck and there are few that would deny that the Imps didn't deserve 3 points and you could argue that we barely deserved one. Yes it was a win and don't get me wrong, I'm delighted to have won a tough game but we've got to stop being 2nd best in matches, it's happened in 3 of the last 4 games and if we're going to stand a chance in the playoffs, we need to stop being 2nd best.

However, there are many positives to take out of today. Jeff Hughes was fantastic again and almost all of our attacks, whether they resulted in someone having a shot or not, had him involved at some point and if the rumours that he is being watched by Championship clubs are true, they we could easily be able to demand a 6 figure free. Speaking of defenders, the defence were able to cope with Shrewsbury's onslaught quite well and despite dominating most of the match, the hosts weren't able to trouble Marriott and were often restricted to long distance shots and it appears to be the long awaited return of a defence that conceeded just 37 goals in the 2002/3 season.

Whatever happens next week and in the playoffs (should we make them), then this is not a season that many fans will forget for several reasons but if we don't achieve promotion, it will frustrate fans even more as this is the worst that the division has been in a LONG LONG time.

"I was delighted with the performance and delighted with the effort. This is a difficult place to come, they had to throw everything at us and we've done what we've had to do. Whilst we didn't create a lot going forwards, it was just a question of getting a result and that's what we've done. It shows how well we've played as a unit. I'm not one for individuals and I think everybody's done their job. It was an excellent performance and all credit to the players."

"We had an indifferent first half to the season but I've said all season we're not a million miles away and hopefully the lads will prove me right next week."

"He (McAuley) has been outstanding for me week in, week out and has played again without being quite fit. The people we've got at the club now want to play for the club and I think it's unfortunate that he's such a good player which means that other people are going to come in for him and we might very well lose him. Having said that, we'll get into the playoffs, try and get out of the playoffs and then see if he wants to stay." 

"The lads gave it a good go and we've worked out it was something like 17 half chances at goal for us and 4 for Lincooln, that shows what a good go we've given it. We went out and played 4-2-4 with four strikers and tried to create something, we created havoc but didn't get on the end of the ball."

"There was an element of luck (with the goal). Joe came for the ball that maybe he shouldn't have come for but he's been magnificent for us all season so we can't have a go at him for that one. He's come to all the lads after the game and said sorry and he should have come for it, had he not come for it then the game may have been different"

Gary Peters, Shrewsbury Manager

"Professional away performance today. Dug in and took our chance when it arrived. Not a great game, Shrewsbury only had 2 attempts, i was expecting the kitchen sink from them. So play-offs it is unless we lose by more than one goal against Rochdale and Peterborough win by more than one goal next saturday." Lincoln Imp

"A very tense and nail biting finish but a great result.Well done Lincoln City FC for winning and keeping your place in the play-off's, next week will be an very exciting time mixed with joy but with a tad of nerves. It's a massive game with only a point needed to secure our play-offs - Cardiff - promotion dreams. Let's hope this will be the year we go and do it and get PROMOTED come on you RED IMP'S ! By the way what on earth was going on 5 minutes of extra time where on eck did that come from ? but then only just over 3 minutes of extra time was played I am confused 
Pluse the lines man gave a throw in then change his mind after the ref waved his hads for a throw in I wish these officals make their mind up which one it is in the start " BikerImp