Rochdaleafc.com gives you a closer look at Lincoln City and recommends that you don’t go via Market Rasen. It might take you a wee bit longer if you do that...

Well I think everyone is well and truly ticked off at the lack of any football for the first team due to the bobbins Lancashire weather and all the other pitch problems we’ve had.

But I know one thing for certain, and that’s that I’ve been suffering with withdrawal symptoms recently even when a home game is allowed to go ahead.  And the symptoms are because playing at Spotland just doesn’t live up to what it has been like watching Rochdale away since Hill’s taken over and it’s cheered me up somewhat knowing we’ll be back on the road again watching Dale at Sincil Bank tomorrow. 

It’s a difficult Opposition Watch to write this time, with us both having come up against each other only last month, with Lincoln. In a game where Evil was what you can safely call assaulted by a Lincoln player. Only for the referee to give the opposition a free-kick, which saw them eventually score with Jamie Forrester getting the final touch.

The second goal however can’t be taken away from them, Lee Frecklington’s shot was a belter, but we were still robbed that day for me. 

So what’s been happening to Peter Jackson’s Lincoln since we last blessed them with our presence? Well they went down 3-1 to Rotherham thanks to a Derek Holmes hat trick, they beat Dagenham & Redbridge 2-0, aswell as losing 2-1 to Mansfield with Michael Boulding hitting a brace all at Sincil Bank.  

But despite the mixed home form, Lincoln have been excellent on the road, having beat us they went on to increase the pressure on Gary Peter’s Shrewsbury Town by beating them 2-1 with Louis ‘mouth’ Dodds grabbing two goals there. And they also beat Ian Brightwell’s Macclesfield Town 2-1, with three goals in the last ten minutes at Moss Rose. 

Lincoln are heading into the Coca-Cola League Two clash with ourselves with some serious defensive headaches for their manager to worry about. Experienced defender Gary Croft is unavailable due to a calf problem as is Paul Green who sits out due to a suspension.

There’s also a concern in regards to midfielder Lee Frecklington (ankle) and striker Lenell John-Lewis who are both still doubtful ahead of tomorrow’s game. 

Speaking to the Lincoln official site, manager Jackson said “Green is going to be out on Saturday through suspension after picking up five yellow cards and I’m reluctant to split up the partnership of Danny Hone and Lee Beevers. However, I’ve got a few options so I’m confident that whoever comes in will do a good job.” 

Rochdale’s travelling support will be housed in the Co-op Community Stand which is a stand that is shared by both the home and visiting support. And for those driving up/down using Sat Nav, the postcode for Sincil Bank is LN5 8LD. 

Matchday prices are as follows… 

Adult: £17

Concessions: £13

Under 15’s: £7 

And for those like myself who will be fancying a pint before the game, pubs that are recommended for away fans are The Golden Eagle, The Portland, The Ritz (local Wetherspoons), The Anchor and the Millers Arms which can all be located on the High Street.

There is also the Supporters Club which I recall being a tad expensive but Finni seemed to enjoy the steak muffins on offer if that’s appealing to any of you. So here’s to a safe journey and hopefully another excellent away day watching Dale. 

Up the Dale!

Photo: Action Images

Portsmouth Polls