The Imps haven't progressed through to the 2nd Round by actually winning a first round match since 2003/4. A 3-1 win over Telford saw City progress to a home fixture against Chesterfield. City took the lead on three occasions, only to see that lead quickly erased before The Imps progressed to the Northern Quarter Final, an away trip at Halifax Town. The original fixture was cancelled and it was replayed a week later, although the fog that initially postponed it must have still been in the Imps' eyes as Kevin Sandwith scored for Halifax with pretty much the only shot of the game.

Since then Doncaster Rovers, Tranmere Rovers and Grimsby Town have all put City out in the First Round. The Imps were given a bye last season to the second round but despite taking an early lead from the spot, City were well and truly spanked by Joel Porter and Hartlepool United, losing 5-2.

City were again given a bye this season and now the Imps know their potential opponents. The second round will again be regionalised and that means that City will face one of the teams on the right. Grimsby Town only joined that party thanks to a penalty shoot out win over Chesterfield, that despite the latter having 66% of the posession.

A lot of City fans will be hoping to secure a draw against either Leeds United or Leicester City, easily the biggest two sides in the draw. However, the Imps fans will be hoping to avoid a trip to Rotherham United's Don Valley. The Imps have already experienced the "joys" of the Don Valley this season........it's almost inevitable really isn't it? 

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