Derby day in Lincolnshire

Last updated : 21 September 2007 By Gary Moss
Mariner fans were informed of their club's cash crisis earlier this week.

Trouble at Blundell Park
Club Chairman John Fenty admitted that a massive injection of money is needed just to keep them afloat.

With attendances down and old debt still a problem, Town face a massive task to avoid administration.

It is believed that moving from Blundell Park is the vital step needed to ensure the clubs future.

It is news that has set alarm bells ringing with the Grimsby fans but a trip to Sincil Bank to face the old enemy will provide a timely break from their troubles.

Game of the day: Lincoln City v Grimsby Town

Both sides have endured a dreadful start to the season.

The Imps still seem to be hungover from their play-off failure at the hands of
Schofield...Under the cosh
Bristol Rovers last season.

City have lost five of their opening seven games in all competitions.

The local press continue to put pressure on boss John Schofield, with City enduring a barren spell since the turn of the year.

Grimsby have had it even worse.

Just four points from a possible eighteen leave the Mariners hovering above the drop zone.

A crushing 4-1 defeat against fellow strugglers Accrington Stanley a fortnight ago done little to boost their confidence.

But this tie should prove entertaining if not scrappy. In its usual spirit tackles will fly.

There is certainly no love lost between these two sides.

Louis Dodds has been in inspired form for City this season however.
Dodds...At the fore for Imps

His contribution of three goals this campaign has been priceless to an Imps side in the shadow of their form twelve months ago.

The omission of club skipper Scott Kerr and sub-standard performances from NCM's young player of the year 2006/08 Lee Frecklington is causing some concern.

As for the Mariners, Paul Bolland and Ciaron Toner are clearly class acts with the potential to damage City on Saturday.

The lack of a prolific striker at Blundell Park is their main problem and could be for some time considering their financial status.

But, it is derby day and anything can happen.

The first goal will be massive and could breathe confidence.

Expect a tightly contested battle won by the single goal.

The game kicks off at Midday as per police instructions.

Prediction: Imps narrowly on top

Elsewhere...

In a battle at the top, MK Dons host Darlington.

These two sides are in free scoring form of late. Table toppers Quakers are unbeaten while the Dons are four points adrift following back to back 3-0 wins.

Wycombe's return to form will be put to the test as they host third placed
Casper...Job on the line
Shrewsbury at Adams Park.

Victory for the Chairboys should move them into the play-offs providing results go their way.

Demading boss Gary Peters will again demand big things from his side as they travel to the capital.

And, Chris Casper is in desperate need of a result away at Dagenham.

Defeat could leave him without a job after another bad start to the season. Just one win in the league so far is not going down well with the Shakers faithful.

Finally, in form Chesterfield will be looking to extend their unbeaten run as they host Barnet.

Jack Lester's scoring form could ensure that.

While the Bees need a result to kick-start their season.

Full fixture list:

Accrington Stanley v Mansfield

Chester v Brentford

Chesterfield v Barnet

Dagenham & Redbridge v Bury

Hereford v Bradford

Lincoln v Grimsby

MK Dons v Darlington

Peterborough v Morecambe

Rochdale v Macclesfield

Rotherham v Notts County

Stockprt v Wrexham

Wycombe v Shrewsbury