What a contrasting last 7 days, after one of our worst performances in recent years, came our biggest win in 5 years. It was really refreshing to see an Imps side that wanted to get stuck in and put 100% effort into the game, unlike a certain midfielder we had at the club last season and now the Imps could be set to land Premiership opposition, the draw for the 2nd Round is made just under 3 hours before kick off.

But back to the game at the weekend. City desperatly need a win to gain momentum and a win could potentially see the Imps go 3rd but would more realistically see the Imps into a playoff place.

Please note that there will be very few, if any photos taken of this game.

It;s been a long time since I wrote this with a shadow of doubt over the starting line-up. Morgan and Mayo both return from suspension and Gareth McAuley has recovered from injury, however, after 2 wins in a week, Keith has said that at least 1, if not all 3 will have to settle for a place on the bench as Keith looks set to stick with the side that started against Crewe.

Who I think will start (Right to left)

Marriott

Beevers     Morgan   Cryan   McCombe

Brown   Kerr    Keates

Molango     Asamoah      Birch

Just 24 hours after City had thrashed Crewe, Rushden were themselves thrashed at home by Coventry 3-0. That was Rushden's first defeat of the season but in the league, the remain as one of the few unbeaten sides after an favourable 5 points from 3 games. An opening day 1-1 draw was followed up with a 1-0 win at Mansfield Town. Their weekend game against Macclesfield was called off due to a waterlogged pitch and last weekend produced a 1-1 draw against Chester City.

Crybaby has still only won 6 of his 37 games in charge of the club and they are the favourites for the drop. They currently sit one place above the Imps in 11th.

Last season saw the Imps' first ever win over the Diamonds. Rushden took an 11th minute lead before Simon Yeo equalised 7 minutes later. Drewe Broughton was sent off for the home side and City responded with 3 goals in 6 minutes.

It was a far different story in the previous games. In their 3 visits to Sincil Bank, the Diamonds have claimed maximum points on each occasion, scoring 9 goals from the scorelines 4-2, 2-1 and 3-1. The two previous games at Nene Park before the one mentioned above, ended in a 0-0 draw and a 1-0 win for Rushden.