By Nathan Jackson
July 3 2007

Lincoln City's October and November in 1997/8 was a generally happy one, City went top of the table, were unbeaten in all competitions and even scored 3 goals in the space of 3 minutes. Dean Walling impressed many by becoming a free-scoring defender, whereas Gareth Ainsworth's replacement scored the goal that sent the Imps top of Division 3.

In 1997/8 most of the regular starting 11 scored at least one goal. Only Stuart Bimson, Kevin Austin and City legend, Grant Brown (below - picture from the 1999/2000 season) failed to find the net from the regular outfield players during the season.

The second 5th of City's 1997/8 started with a common result against Cambridge United, a draw to be more specific as the Imps and the U's shared 0 goals. A week later and Torquay were the visitors and they opened the scoring with a goal that had a huge "John Beck" feel to it as Watson headed in at the back post from the corner. Terry Fleming equalised early on in the second half.

Trips to Glanford Park are always memorable occasions and Dean Walling's first goal for the club since his move from Carlisle gave City a well earned victory at Sincil Bank. A few days later and a single Lee Thorpe strike beat Brighton and Hove Albion, who were playing their home games at Gillingham's Priestfield.

A dominating performances against Darlington made it 8 games unbeaten for the Imps, with the top spot suddenly looming on the horizon. Lee Thorpe opened the scoring before Whitney doubled the lead. Thorpe made it 3-0 just before half time and had a great opportunity to score a hat-trick when City were rewarded a penalty. He missed and Darlington scored a consolation, City were still happy enough with a 3-1 victory though.

Another Dean Walling goal saw City beat Leyton Orient. The winning run came to an end with successive 0-0 draws at Rochdale and Swansea before an embarrasement came City's way in the FA Cup. Dean Walling again gave City the lead over Gainsborough Trinity in the first round at Sincil Bank, but a resilient Trinity display saw Morrow equalise in the second half to send the game to a replay.

Virtually everyone beat Doncaster Rovers those days and Panorama's cameras were on hand to see Walling continue his impressive scoring run in the 14th minute. The incredibly small crowd for a local derby of just 2,957 saw Doncaster shockingly pull level through Prince Moncrieffe. City's blushes were saved by Steve Holmes' effort in the 66th minute.

Then it came, City's trip to Colchester. What's special about a trip to Colchester I hear you ask? Normally nothing but Gavin Gordon's goal just after the hour from close range not only won the 3 points for City, but also gave City top spot in the division for the first time in years.

Despite being played at Sincil Bank, the replay of the Gainsborough game was officially classed as City being the away side. City burst into the lead, scoring 3 goals in 3 minutes thanks to a Walling brace and a Whitney header. Maxwell and Price did pull back goals for Gainsborough, but it was City who were awarded with a 2nd round home game against Emley....surely easy progress to Round 3?

City's final match of the 2nd 5th of the season was at home to Macclesfield Town. Macclesfield were making a very impressive start to their first season in the Football League. Whittaker gave Macc the lead before Gordon equalised in the second half.

Coming in Part 3 : Embarrasement, thrashings and misery, all just another festive period at City.