Next Up: Lincoln City vs Exeter City

City go into the Easter programme buoyed by successive victories including an impressive 3-1 win over fellow promotion chasers Swindon on Saturday, and will look to continue that form with a visit to another side on the fringe of the playoffs. Injury problems continue to plague Paul Tisdale’s squad, but Jordan Storey in particular has seized the unexpected opportunity, scoring his first goal at Port Vale then turning in a performance that saw him nominated in the various “Team of the Week” columns in the press. Jayden Stockley scored his first goal in five matches against Swindon to take his tally to 18 in all competitions as he seeks to emulate David Wheeler’s performance last season in scoring more than 20.

When Lincoln won the National League title at a canter last season, along with reaching the FA Cup Quarter Final, they were expected to challenge to go straight through the division, and their current position of 8th has therefore not been unexpected. Under the management of the Cowley brothers the Imps have gone from strength to strength, and they have also booked a Wembley appearance in the EFL Trophy, although their league form has been a bit more patchy in recent weeks. Lincoln are, however, unbeaten in their last four matches albeit three of those against sides down at the bottom. The goal threat is provided by a pair of Matts – Green with 14 in all competitions and the burly Rhead with eight. Michael Bostwick is the man to watch pulling the strings in midfield, he has contributed with six goals.

The reverse fixture took place way back in August, and a goal from Reuben Reid saw City claim the points. City won by the same 1-0 scoreline the last time they visited Sincil Bank back in 2009, as Dean Moxey’s late cross-cum-shot squirmed past keeper Rob Burch to keep City’s promotion hopes alive. It’s Lincoln, however, who have the league head to head advantage with 25 wins to City’s 19, 15 matches finishing level.

Recent head to head details with Lincoln can be found at http://www.grecians.co.uk/wordpress/?p=9228

The match officials for this game are:-

Referee: Tom Nield
Assistant Referees: David Benton and Ian Smedley
Fourth Official: Paul Thompson

This is Tom Nield’s first season refereeing in the Football League, and hasn’t taken charge of an Exeter game.