Lincoln City welcome Rushden and Diamonds to Sincil Bank this Saturday, with Imps fans hoping that Lincoln can add Rushden to their list of high profile victories already this season. All in all The Imps have won five game at home this season with notable results against Swansea City (3-0), Hull City (2-1) and of course Scunthorpe United (3-2). Looking at Lincoln's home form, it would suggest that they should be higher up the table, with several other managers making the same observations about Alan Buckleys attractive style of play. It has been the gols that have largely let the side down with city's scoring total meagre at best.
Rushden and Diamonds have thus far had a whirlwind introduction to 3rd Division life, with a victory on the first day, and after a shaky start they have advanced surely up the table. They now sit looking squarely at a play-off position within grasping distance, but also looking nervously over their shoulder at the lower end of the table. The Imps themselves are only 4 points shy of Rushden, and a win on Saturday could really make things interesting. Brian Talbot, although initially villified by some areas of Rushden and Diamonds support, has done what so many managers have done before him - brought a non-league side into the 3rd Division and made it a successful first season.
Those who predicted a Diamonds fall from grace have certainly been silenced thus far.
So what price a draw??? Back in August The Imps drew 0-0 at Nene Park, a tidy and well designed ground that has a personal feel to it. Both sides had chances to steal the points, and TV Pundit David Pleat was complimentary of both sides style of play.
So the City faithful will welcome the Diamonds to Sincil Bank, which although by no means as tidy as Nene Park, has its own special history, which should not be ignored.
This concludes a rather haphazard but spirited attempt at a match preview