Our latest visit to one of the 92 league clubs took us up to Lincoln for Lincoln City v Derby County which means we would see the Imps on two successive weekends.
In fact it was a tweet from an Imps Fan, celebrating their 98th minute equaliser last week at Wycombe, who encouraged us to visit their ground.
Lincoln City History
Lincoln City Football Club was founded in 1884 and is one of the oldest football clubs in England. The team has a rich history and has competed in various divisions of English football. Already mentioned above, the club is commonly known as “The Imps,” which is a reference to the Imp, a legendary creature said to haunt the city’s cathedral having been turned to stone.
We visited Lincoln Cathedral ahead of the game
Stadium
Lincoln City plays its home matches at Sincil Bank, known by the sponsor name The LNER Stadium which holds 10,669 spectators. The stadium has undergone several renovations and developments over the years to improve facilities for both players and fans.
Outside the LNER Stadium
Outside the stadium we found The University of Lincoln Fan Village which is perfect for socialising, meeting other fans and for grabbing something to eat and drink. There were multiple vendors here serving beer, hot drinks, donuts and burgers. Here was also where you could access an inside bar which was very busy.
Prior to grabbing a drink we checked out the Lincoln City Foundation area where fundraising was happening and a real effort to include plenty of activities for children of all ages including table football whilst mascot Poacher The Imp was also present. We purchased some pink raffle tickets (we didn’t win) and moved on.
Many food outlets outside the stadium
We arrived inside the stadium early so we were able to catch a photo of LINCOLN CITY spelt out in the seat colours.
Inside the LNER Stadium
Poacher The Imp – The Lincoln City Mascot
Form Guide
We chose a weekend which was a local derby, against Derby County! We would like to thank Alex at Arch Clothing for help us secure tickets as whilst they reached general sale, they were not allowing them to newly registered fans to help keep away fans out of the home section.
Going into the match, the Lincoln City form was atrocious. Their last win came on 28th November at Cambridge and since have lost 5 and drawn 2 of their last seven matches – would that dramatic equaliser last week at Wycombe be the moment which could transform that run? Sitting in 12th place on 33pts, unless something dramatic happens, the play-offs currently look out of reach.
Derby County on the other hand, enter the match sitting in third place, joint on points with Peterborough, whilst winning their game in hand over them and Portsmouth would see them go top of League One.
Derby County fans unveiled their flag at kick-off
Lincoln City v Derby County – The Match
The game had a lively start and most of the first half was even. On 15 minutes, it was the home side on the attack as Lasse Sorenson went on a driving run which was the first time the home fans could sense something may happen. After being fouled, up stepped Ethan Hamilton with a great effort which was saved and turned away for a corner.
The best chance in the first half was probably the opportunity which fell to James Collins for Derby County who bustled his way in on goal however just took too long to pull the trigger allowing the defender to get across with a great block.
The home fans were superb, singing throughout and in large drowning out the noise from the good Derby County support.
Before half time, Joe Taylor had two opportunities, the first was blasted over after he powered towards the goal and shortly after he had another chance which was well saved.
Half Time: Lincoln City 0 Derby County 0
0-0 was the half-time score
In the second half it was Taylor again who was released in on goal, outpacing the defender yet his goal bound effort clipped the goalkeeper and with the deflection taking the pace off the ball, it allowed the Derby defender to hack it clear before it crossed the line.
When Freddie Draper struck a ball towards goal, what seemed like a foul and a clear penalty, was deemed by the referee as simulation and he was instead booked. We haven’t seen this for a second time so will be an interesting watch.
Hamilton strikes another dead ball
More chances came and went for the home side. The Derby keeper punched one ball clear and then moments later parried another as things looked promising. The noise inside the stadium grew however they were probably the last “good” chances as the game ended in a 0-0 draw. On paper a good result for Lincoln against high-flying Derby – but this could very easily have been all 3 points.
Special mention to the ever willing Joe Taylor (9) and robust forward Freddie Draper (34), who were constant runners, using pace, strength and energy to cause mayhem up top whilst being the first line of defence too.
Full Time: Lincoln City 0 Derby County 0
Covert Football Trips
Who are we? Covert Football Trips offer Mystery Football Weekends to Europe perfect for groups, including stag weekends! We also supply just match tickets to some of the biggest matches too.
