Match Preview: Tranmere Rovers v Lincoln City

As Tranmere prepare for their FA Cup Qualifying game at home to Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon, Louise Formston returns with her slightly shorter match preview ahead of the game.....

A shorter preview than usual, both as it’s the FA Cup and we will also play Lincoln again in the league next month.  The Emirates FA Cup is starting early this season for Tranmere as they are in the Fourth Qualifying round for the first time since 1921.  The Qualifying Rounds are regionalised (North and South) and as a result, Rovers will host Lincoln City this Saturday.

History:

Lincoln City, or the Imps as they’re apparently known – this one is a new one on me, they haven’t been blessed with quite as much FA Cup success as Rovers over the years.  The last time the club made the last sixteen was back in 1901-1902 compared to Rovers’ who made the quarter finals as recently as 2004 where they lost to eventual finalists Milwall, having made it twice before (1999/2000 and 2001/02).  Lincoln City however did get themselves a TV tie when they played Bolton Wanderers in the second round in 1993 and again in 2003 when they faced Northwich Victoria in the third round.

Last season, Lincoln brushed aside Alfreton Town 5-1 (albeit in a home replay) at this stage of the competition but lost to Eastleigh in the First Round proper.  By comparison Rovers made it to the Third Round, dispatching Bristol Rovers and Oxford United before they were on the end of a 6-2 battering courtesy of Swansea City. 

Team Talk:

Liam Hogan has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash as he has had a minor operation.  Andy Mangan and Adam Dawson also remain out but new signings Gary Taylor-Fletcher (not a name I ever thought I’d write on a Tranmere preview) and Steve McNulty are both available for selection and are likely to make their home debuts on Saturday.

Lincoln meanwhile have Bradley Wood available after his one game suspension was served last weekend and appear to have a reasonable full squad to chose from.

Form Guide:

As far as the League goes, the two sides find themselves fairly evenly matched.  Rovers sit in fifth with thirty points whilst Lincoln are just below in seventh with twenty-nine points.  The Imps have won just four away games this season, the most recent was a 3-2 win over Chester.  Rovers on the other hand have won five home games so far this year, but they have lost their last two to Eastleigh and Barrow.

Since those losses, Rovers have registered a win against top of the league Forest Green so motivation in the camp should be high.  Lincoln meanwhile will enter the game on the back of a 2-0 home win over Braintree.  However we all know, when it comes to the Cup – form goes out the window.  For those interested, SkyBet have Rovers just ahead at 19/20 to win, whilst Lincoln aren’t far behind at 23/10.

Other Cup Ties This Weekend:

Altrincham vs Chester

Salford City vs Southport:  Cole Stockton has been given permission  by Rovers to play in the competition for Southport.  

Sporting Khalsa vs FC United of Manchester:  FC United have refused to allow the BBC to cover their game this weekend as they didn’t want to change their kick off time.  Read more here on THIS LINK.

Wrexham vs Gainsborough Trinity

For those attending the Rovers game on Saturday, fans from both teams are invited to take part in a Retro Day – so dig out those old shirts and squeeze back into them.  Prices have been slashed with adults paying just a tenner and under 16s can get in for as little as £1.