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Sat 10th Mar 2001 - Lincoln previews |
| March Headlines |
I have brought togethersome of the press / opposition previews for todays game at
Lincoln. Preview from www.totalwales.com But his hopes of a place on the subs’ bench have probably been dashed by a thigh strain sustained in a midweek practice match. It’s been stop-start for Gordon since his £550,000 move from Lincoln last December. After scoring on his full debut in the 6-l triumph over Exeter, he was ineligible for the next game - an FA Cup-tie against Crewe. He did not get back into the starting line-up for seven games, netting one of the goals in the FAW Premier Cup win over Cwmbran. Then a three-match suspension wrecked his chance to establish a regular first team place. “It’s been a frustrating time and I’m not very happy about picking up a knock,” said the 21-year-old forward. “I was hoping to be involved in the squad against my old club. I still have a house in Lincoln and keep in touch with friends in the area. “Injury was the last thing I wanted but, hopefully, it’s not that bad.” Gordon was cash-strapped Lincoln’s top marksman with 10 goals when City made an offer they could not refuse. “I enjoyed my time with Lincoln but coming to Cardiff was a good career move for me. “I knew it would be hard to break into the side straight away because it was doing so well. But I have no regrets about making the move. There’s a lot of quality at the club. “I’m just biding my time, getting my head down and working hard to see what happens. Time is on my side. I like to think I have a long-term future with the club. “Hopefully, we’ll go up this season and I can help the club continue to move forward.” Since Gordon’s departure, former Bluebirds favourite Phil Stant has been sacked as Lincoln’s manager. Under his successor, Alan Buckley, the Red Imps have won both games - at Mansfield and Kidderminster. “From being a poor side Lincoln are now looking like one of the best in the Third Division,” said City’s chief coach Alan Cork. “It’s amazing how the same play-ers can be transformed when there’s a change of leadership. “By all accounts, they are playing a lot of football under Alan Buckley. He’s a good manager who took Grimsby up through the divisions and will be determined to make a winning home start. “I’ve told my players they must. Preview from www.impsonline.co.uk Two successive away victories, against Kidderminster Harriers and Mansfield Town, have seen City find a whisper of breathing space at the bottom end of Division Three. The league position makes for much happier reading, as Buckley’s men sit in 19th position, by virtue of six points obtained in the last two games. The result has not only been the pleasing aspect of this radical turn-around, since a new man came in at the helm. The performances in the last two games have been superb – patient passing play, resulting in plenty of goals. City have netted six times over 180 minutes of play, against two mid-table outfits. Lincoln now has to test their newly found capabilities against the best of the division, when Gavin Gordon’s high-flying Bluebirds flock towards Sincil Bank. Alan Buckley, whose introduction to the club can be described as a breath of fresh air, commented on the exhilaration in the camp at the moment, "I can only speak for the two games I have been in charge and the efforts of the players and the desire they have shown, to please, do well and succeed has been exceptional," : said Buckley. "They're a terrific bunch of lads and if their confidence has taken a knock then it's no wonder with the unfortunate run they have had. But there is nothing better to get the confidence going than by winning a couple of games is there? "I'm delighted for the players because they worked so hard and the desire to be successful is so great. They deserve everything I say about them. All credit to them." Defender James Dudgeon, who scored the winning goal at Kidderminster on Tuesday, summarised the change that has taken place, in regards to tactics : "Before he came we played more of a long ball game but now we are passing it around and we are looking dangerous every time we go forward. The boys love every minute of it.” Lincoln’s quest for home glory will be given a big boost, due to the return of midfielder Paul Miller, who was out with a hamstring problem, and defender Jason Barnett, a victim of the flu. Both will go into the squad. Paul Mayo (19), will also figure in the squad, after coming through 90 minutes of reserve team action. On the other hand, Steve Holmes and Richard Peacock are serving the second match of their three match bans. James Dudgeon is fit, despite struggling with the unrelenting flu virus. Lincoln City (from): Day, Perkins, Dudgeon, Bimson, Welsh, Gain, Finnigan, Walker, Smith, Thorpe, Battersby, Mayo, Miller, Sedgemore, Cameron, Henry, Barnett, Marriott (gk). Cardiff City (from): Walton, Gabbidon, Evans, Weston, Hughes, Young, Boland, Brazier, Bowen, Earnshaw, Fortune-West, Brayson, Lightbourne, Gordon, Jordan, Nogan. The clinical finishing in the striking department for the Bluebirds is the thing that has seen them push for a promotion spot. With the recent signing of Kyle Lightbourne, it has increased competition for places in a hotshot attack. 19-goal whiz kid Robert Earnshaw is the main threat, while former Imps Gavin Gordon and Leo Fortune-West will be looking to do the dirty on their old stomping ground. Gavin Gordon will be available again. The 21-year-old has been forced to sit out games against Kidderminster, Hull and Leyton Orient, but he will be back in contention, looking to finish where he left off, before his untimely suspension. Fans of both teams are being urged to arrive early for tomorrow's game due to a shortage of gate staff, due to the flu virus that has swept through Sincil Bank. It started with the players, now the staff begin to feel the effects! Imps Online’s pre-match prediction is a 2-2 draw. One point would be sufficient, although three would be the perfect answer to move further away from the bottom. Getting a ‘result’ is the solitary target and ideally, the only acceptable outcome. Predicted scorers for the Imps – Peter Gain and Lee Thorpe. Danger man Rob Earnshaw and defender Rhys Weston are predicted by Imps Online to net for the Bluebirds. Buckley had a confident message for supporters, "It will be an exciting game for fans and I hope we can attract a few more through the gates. And as far as the players are concerned, supporters will have nothing to moan at.” Will the Bluebirds fly away with a win, or will Buckley’s bandwagon roll on, clawing the Imps further from the danger zone? An interesting game in prospect. Preview from www.bbc.co.uk/wales Lincoln are aiming for a third win on the trot when they face Cardiff and they have Paul Miller back in the squad after a hamstring injury. But Steve Holmes and Richard Peacock are suspended. Buckley said: "It is a very big game. You can either afford to buy success like Cardiff have done - and I think they'll get automatic promotion - or you can work very hard with what you've got to improve the team." Promotion contenders Cardiff striker Gavin Gordon is available for the trip to Sincil Bank after completing his three-match suspension. The 21-year-old has been forced to sit out games against Kidderminster, Hull and Leyton Orient, but he will be back in contention against his former club. Cardiff have claimed 13 points from their last five games as they attempt to finish in the top three automatic promotion places. But, boss Alan Cork has warned his side not to underestimate sides struggling in the league as they prepare to meet improving Lincoln. Preview from www.ananova.com Former Grimsby manager Buckley has steered the Imps to back-to-back away wins in his first two matches in charge. Now Paul Miller is back in the squad after a hamstring injury, but Steve Holmes and Richard Peacock are suspended. Buckley said: "It is a very big game. You can either afford to buy success like Cardiff have done - and I think they'll get automatic promotion - or you can work very hard with what you've got to improve the team." Meanwhile, Cardiff striker Gavin Gordon is available for the Bluebirds' trip to Lincoln after completing his three-match suspension. The 21-year-old has been forced to sit out games against Kidderminster, Hull and Leyton Orient, but he will be back in contention against his former club. Cardiff have claimed 13 points from their last five games as they attempt to finish in the top-three automatic promotion places. But Cork has warned his side not to underestimate sides struggling in the league as they prepare to meet improving Lincoln, with Carlisle the visitors next Saturday. Preview from www.totalfootball.com Former Grimsby manager Buckley has steered the Imps to back-to-back away wins in his first two matches in charge. Now Paul Miller is back in the squad after a hamstring injury, but Steve Holmes and Richard Peacock are suspended. Buckley said: "It is a very big game. You can either afford to buy success like Cardiff have done - and I think they'll get automatic promotion - or you can work very hard with what you've got to improve the team.'' Cardiff striker Gavin Gordon is available for a trip to his old club after completing his three-match suspension. The 21-year-old has been forced to sit out games against Kidderminster, Hull and Leyton Orient, but he will be back in contention at Sincil Bank. Cardiff have claimed 13 points from their last five games as they attempt to finish in the top three automatic promotion places. But Cork has warned his side not to underestimate sides struggling in the league as they prepare to meet improving Lincoln, with Carlisle the visitors next Saturday. Preview from www.teamtalk.com |
Copyright Michael Morris 2001.
