By Nathan Jackson
April 27 2005

Games between City and Darlo are very rarely this important so now we look at the recent history of it all. City only need a draw to secure a playoff place and based on the recent history, that result is very likely indeed thanks to 5 draws in the last 7 games.

In recent years, the most common result between the 2 sides have been draws with only 2 games seeing 3 points being allocated. Darlington came to Sincil Bank for the Imps third home game of the season and it was also Paul Pettinger's Imps debut after several unconvincing displays by Alan Marriott. Mark Ford gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot before Dave Cameron equalised for City with 11 minutes left on the clock. The game at Feethams saw one possibly the most unlikely event since the turn of the Millenium when Paul Morgan headed the Imps in front. It is to date the only goal that Morgan has scored since his arrival at Sincil Bank. However, the goal didn't prove vital as a header from Paul Heckingbottom and an injury time strike from Mike Sheeran gave the Quakers the win.

The game at Feethams in 2002/3 was dominated by Darlington although they failed to capitalize on an Imps side who only had one shot throughout the entire game. At Sincil Bank, Barry Conlon gave Darlington the lead with a neat chip over the onrushing Marriott. However, Chris Ward equalised soon after when he tapped in from close range after a Bimson free kick.

City's first visit to the new Reynolds Arena came in 2003/4 but yet again, the game ended in a fairly dull 0-0 draw. The game was void of all passion as it was the first game since Keith Alexander had to be rushed to hospital for the brain surgery. The return game at Sincil Bank again finished 1-1. Neil Wainright gave the visitors a lead they hadn't really earned when a clever free kick was released to Wainright who found his way through 4 defenders legs and past Marriott into the goal. Francis Green equalised with a very very scrambled goal midway through the second half.

Earlier this season, the Imps went to the newly named "The Arena" and came out convincing winners. It looked to be heading for another 0-0 after 30 minutes of dullness before McAuley crossed to Yeo who totally scuffed his shot but it still went in the goal. Marcus Richardson made it 2-0 just before half time before Butcher secured the impressive win.