Imps look to secure playoff spot

So this is it, after a season of inconsistency, headaches and the occasional awful football, the playoffs are just one good result away. Following 5 wins in 6 for the 2nd time in 4 months, the Imps only need a point from Saturday's game at Northampton to guarantee a playoff place. Northampton must win to stop the Imps securing that place as the Cobblers are now the only side outside the top 7 that can possibly overtake the Imps.

There are still hopes of automatic promotion for the Imps but that chances of that happening are slim given the form of teams above the Imps and the gap to 3rd being 4 points meaning that Scunny would have to fail to win twice to let the Imps catch up and considering their run in, that isn't going to happen.

Same old same old, no injuries to report, everyone in tip top shape. McAuley is expected to remain in defence in place of Beevers after 4 clean sheets in the last 6. Green will probably start in place of Asamoah but other than that, the usual lot will be there.

Most likely formation (Right to left)

Marriott

McAuley     Morgan        Futcher     McCombe     Sandwith

Butcher    Gain

Yeo      Green      Taylor-Fletcher.

Northampton were many people's favourites for the title after the form of their end to last season. It all appeared to be going well after winning their first 2 games away at Swansea and at home to Rushden and Diamonds. However, they failed to win in the league again for 7 games slipping to 17th in the table. That run was ended with a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers and they recorded 4 wins in their next 6.

A defeat to Southend was followed by a 3-2 reverse at Sincil Bank after leading 2-0 at half time. That defeat spurred them to 6 wins out of their next 8 moving the Cobblers up to 6th. Their FA Cup campaign ended in the same way their Carling Cup run ended, with a home defeat to Southampton.

However, when it looked like they were ready to strike the automatic promotion places, inconsistency hit and only once in the New Year have they won 2 games in a row. Infact, they've only won 7 times since the turn of the year compared to 8 defeats and 5 draws. Their poor form now only leaves them with 1 chance to get into the playoffs. They are the only team from outside the playoff positions that can possibly over take the Imps meaning they must beat the Imps on Saturday otherwise the Imps are in the playoffs for definate. Northampton are playing a "shadowing" game with Darlington. Everywhere the Quakers have gone recently, the Cobblers have followed. The two clubs are fighting it out for 7th place with the Quakers currently occupying the place, 2 points ahead of their rivals. Northampton are realistically the only team that can take that playoff spot from Darlington although, even a win would probably see the Cobblers remain 8th as the Quakers have a "easy" game at home to Rushden.

2003/4 saw Northampton return to this division and they visited Sincil Bank on a cold September evening and the game ended 0-0 despite the Imps absolutly dominating the game and coming closest after hitting the bar. 7 months later came the game at Sixfields. New management and believe had propelled the mid table medocrity to a playoff place and they took the lead just before half time thanks to a volley from Paul Tropple. However, Yeo equalised for City 6 minutes from time from close range and City should have won it when GTF ran one on one with Harper just before half time but barely missed the target.

This season was probably the most memorable home game for many Imps fans. Sabin gave the visitors a 6th minute lead after a mistake from McAuley. Scott McGleish made it 2-0 6 minutes before half time when he coverted a cross at the near post. City responded quickly when Yeo scored a goal from the edge of the area just after half time. He then equalised just minutes later when Northampton's defence played musically statues as Yeo said "thank you very much" to Harper who just stood watching as Yeo was allowed to pick his spot 2 yards from where Harper was standing (the keeper didn't even try to get the ball). It appeared to be heading for a draw but a Futcher header landed in front of Marcus Richardson who smashed the Imps ahead in the last minute. This was one of only 2 occasions this season where the opposition have lead and the Imps have got something from the game.