By Nathan Jackson
May 8 2005

In our plans to do a massive preview of the playoffs, we first look at the teams involved and where better to start then with Lincoln City. After 2 failed campaigns in the playoffs, City will be looking to make it 3rd time lucky.

Team Manager : Keith Alexander

Average Crowd : 4,927 (Highest : 8056 vs Grimsby, Lowest : 3274 vs Rochdale)

Goalscoring Habits : Dividing the game into 15 minute periods, City scored their most goals in either 15 minute period either side of half time (both 11 goals). Most goals have come against Lincoln have come in the final 15 minutes (14 goals). 32 goals for City came from shots, 13 headers, 14 volleys, 4 penalties and 1 own goal. Goals against have come from 29 shots, 9 headers, 4 volleys and 5 penalties

Biggest Wins : Kidderminster (3-0), Oxford (3-0), Rushden (4-1)

Biggest Defeats : Yeovil Town (0-3)

Top Goalscorer : Simon Yeo (23)

Record against fellow promotion teams : 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 defeats

Turning Point of the Season - The away win at Grimsby set the season in motion as the Imps finally found a regular goalscorer.

Three most relevant facts to the playoffs

1. City haven't lost at home to either Southend, Northampton or Macclesfield but failed to win away at these teams.
2. Out of all 4 teams, City had the fewest amount of points gained after being behind in a match, City only gained 6 points from this situation, Macclesfield got 10, Southend 15 and Northampton 17.
3. City have thrown away leads more than any of the other teams, either drawing or losing 10 times after leading, Northampton had this 7 times, Macclesfield 6 and Southend 3.

Playoff Campaign Records

2002-3 Beat Scunthorpe United 6-3 on aggregate in the semi finals but lost 5-2 to Bournemouth in the final.

2003-4 Lost 4-3 to Huddersfield on aggregate in the semi finals

Last time in League 1 (Division 2) : 1998/9