Alexander to make Bank return

Last updated : 31 December 2007 By Gary Moss
Christmas has gone and New Year is here.

It provides a chance for League Two sides to forget any bad memories of 2007 and make a fresh beginning.

Many teams will be hoping to climb clear of trouble while the teams at the top
McParland...First full year at Notts
can look forward to the title and play-off push alike.

While the divisions new managers can look forward to their first full year in charge of their.

Brian Little begins his first full year at Wrexham bottom of the table while Notts' Charlie McParland may have bit off more than he can chew at his post.

2008 is when the County boss McParland will truly be judged.

Stuart McCall and Alan Buckley somehow managed to see out the year in a job and will be hoping to ease the pressure with string of results in January.

For those who are satisfied with their work so far this season the New Year comes as a timely reminder that only half the job has been done.

Game of the day: Lincoln v Bury

Former Imps boss Keith Alexander makes a return to his beloved Sincil Bank.

But there is no time for happy returns as his Shakers side are desperate for the points.
Alexander...Returning to Lincoln


Pointless from the last five league games Casper's men sit a worrying seven points above the Football League trap door.

They will be hoping not to stage a repeat of last seasons campaign where after flirting with the play-off's early on they ended the season nervously dangling above trouble.

Alexander can expect a mixed reception as he returns to Sincil Bank.

Some fans will be all too kind after Big Kieth led the Imps to four consecutive seasons in the play-off's while others may not have forgiven him for his exit to League Two rivals Peterborough United just 18 months ago.

Bury will be looking to put thier season back on track against a Lincoln side who have suffered three consecutive league losses themselves.

Peter Jackson has still installed himself as a firm fans favourite at Sincil Bank bringing back both the fight and passion amongst the City players.

T
Kerr...Suspended captain
he stripes have slipped back towards danger and a derby day defeat at Blundell Park would have hit them hard.

The Imps go into the New Year clash without captain Scott Kerr as he saw red late on against Grimsby on Saturday.

Owain Warlow is most likely to come in but City are still without Louis Dodds, Paul Green and Mark Stallard.

Paul Scott returns at the back for Chris Casper as a massive boost to his again under fire boss.

NCM prediction: No problems here - home win!

Elsewhere...

Leaders MK Dons begin their New Year push for the title hosting struggling Mansfield.

Weekend match winner Jemal Johnson is set to start after appearing from the bench on Saturday.

The Stags will be hoping for another shock after turning over Posh on Boxing
Johnson...Dons starter
Day.

Rochdale's promotion credentials will be put to the test as they prepare to entertain Darlington.

David Perkins returns from suspension for the Dale while the Quakers are hoping skipper Steve Foster is over his illness.

And finally, Dagenham will be looking to build on their weekend win over Barnet as they host rejuvinated Brentford.

P
Foster...Darlo skipper back in battle
aul Benson is back in contention but the Bees will be unchanged from the team that smashed Chester 3-0.

Full fixture list:

Accrington Stanley v Bradford

Chester v Grimsby

Chesterfield v Wrexham

Dagenham v Brentford

Hereford v Notts County

Lincoln v Bury

MK Dons v Mansfield

Peterborough v Shrewsbury

Rochdale v Darlington

Rotherham v Macclesfield

Stockport v Morecambe

Wycombe v Barnet