Luton Town Deserve Better – Give Them & BSP 3 up 3 down

In truth Luton Town should not be in the Blue Square Premier and they would not be if the world was fair. Or for that matter, if the authorities, were consistent they might perhaps be in the fortunate position of Watford FC, doing rather nicely in the Championship. STMI read with interest the story on the Hatters News feed on Friday, advising fans that Trust in Luton are writing to the football League asking why Watford are being treated differently.

Thank you for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

But where is there was any justice in life nowadays, or fairness as Nick Clegg put it when he was trying to get the Liberals elected into Government. How short the memories and how close the solidarity amongst the fortunate, who once in position, will not be fair and share the wealth. That would be plain silly would it not akin to turkeys voting for Christmas.  Long have STMI championed 3 up 3 down, but lip service apart, no MP’s or Government officials have deemed it important enough for their time.

Justice for Luton hung and for both the hatters and the The BSP perhaps now hangs again, on decisions by the Football  League. The docking of 30 points in one season was an affront to sportsmanship in the people’s game, as well as an utter farce on the Leagues part that is coming back to haunt them.   STMI wish the Hatters all the best in getting answers as to why Watford appear to have got away scott free, half a decade later.

Of course a point would be nice Tuesday week as well…….. But in all seriousness it would be nice for the League to give Luton some justice, even if it is too late to turn back the clock on a club blighted by an horrendously unsportsmanlike handicap. What the League can do is  have a political style 3 line whip in place for the vote on 3 up 3 down in the summer.  That would give all in the Blue square Premier a sporting chance to get into the League. Four would be better but 3 would be a good start.

Back Simmo: For Impdom, Pride in the Stripes & St George – Sincil Bank Salivates!

Fortunately the manager of the month award looks to be going to Cox of Mansfield Town (who will hope Burr at Kidderminster Harriers gets it)  as Simpson’s Sincil Soldiers aim to add the Cambridge scalp to a haul of 13 points from his first 8 games at the helm. The 4 wins in the last half dozen, where the Imps were also the better side against Wrexham and Macclesfield, have seen our club move from certain to go down, to in with more than a fighting chance of staying up.  And these Imps certainly have fight and a desire to bring the fans flocking back to Sincil Bank in their thousands.

Thank you for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

Although the Imps sit 15th, the spectre of relegation has not yet been banished from the Bank. Just 3 points separate us from fourth from bottom Stockport and 5 from battling Barrow, yet the Imps have 9 points from the last three games, with destiny well and truly back in our own hands.

No one knows the potential of this football club and its true meaning to the Imps faithful more than Gary, spurred on by the memory of late mates Keith Alexander and Richard Butcher. But the gaffer will be quick to credit the players, something so central to the make up of a man with mud in his studs and a working class ethos with a capital ‘W’.  His job is to mould more than scold, to cajole and install a culture that makes his soldiers want to give 100% for the shirt, the club and those that make the turnstiles click. For the fans are the lifeblood of Lincoln City and every football club, but hereabouts putting in a shift is recognised and respected.

But credit where credit is due. Gary has reversed the slide, restored the pride and invited the fans back for the ride.  The camaraderie, all-for one ethos and pride for the stripes has breathed fresh life into a club and a City that deserves better.  The green shoots of an Imp spring is starting to wake a club that has slumbered for far too many a decade. The loyalist fans in football are begining to respond. Over 400 witnessed defeat at Nuneaton,  but 456  (at least) kept the faith to reap the rewards of the battle of the aptly named Impact Arena at Alfreton. In Simmo it appears we trust,  although he and we know the battle is far from over. STMI urge to Imps to flock to the cause on Monday to make survival almost certain.

Sat 30 Mar
Alfreton Town	0	–	2	Lincoln City
Franklin (7)			Hobson (41) Oliver (81)		1,189
Tues 26 Mar
Braintree Town	0	–	3	Lincoln City
			Diagne (26 & 74)  Dali (04) Boyce (79)		447
Sat 23 Mar
Lincoln City	3	–	2	AFC Telford
Jordan (12) Taylor (77 & 88)			Jones (39) Leslie (53)		1,724
Sat 16 Mar
Nuneaton	1	–	0	Lincoln City
York (90+3)					1,122
Tues 12 Mar
Lincoln City	1	–	2	Wrexham
Westwood (34 og)			Ormerod (61) Adebola (66)		1,379
Sat 9 Mar
Lincoln City	1	–	0	Southport
Power (Pen 14)  Oliver (81)			Byrne (82)		1,827
Wed 6 Mar
Macclesfield	2	–	1	Lincoln City
Garner (47 og) Barnes-Homer (55)			Power (Pen 23)		1,557
Sat 2 Mar
Woking	1	–	1	Lincoln City
Johnson (2)			Oliver (25)		1,766

  The Road Ahead

April
Mon 01st	Lincoln City	v	Cambridge Utd	15:00
Sat 06th	Kidderminster	v	Lincoln City	15:00
Tue 09th	Luton	v	Lincoln City	19:45
Sat 13th	Lincoln City	v	Tamworth	15:00
Sat 20th	Hyde	v	Lincoln City	17:15

BSP Standings 31/3/13

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	42	24	9	9	71	38	33	81
2		Mansfield Town	39	25	5	9	76	46	30	80
3		Wrexham	39	20	12	7	69	38	31	72
4		Newport County AFC	39	21	8	10	74	53	21	71
5		Grimsby Town	39	18	12	9	56	32	24	66
6		Forest Green Rovers	40	18	10	12	59	40	19	64
7		Macclesfield Town	39	16	11	12	56	53	3	59
8		Hereford United	40	15	12	13	60	58	2	57
9		Luton Town	39	15	11	13	57	51	6	56
10		Woking	41	16	8	17	64	70	-6	56
11		Cambridge United	41	14	12	15	65	65	0	54
12		Dartford	39	15	8	16	56	57	-1	53
13		Braintree Town	38	15	7	16	53	64	-11	52
14		Hyde FC	41	15	6	20	58	64	-6	51
15		Lincoln City	41	13	10	18	59	65	-6	49
16		Tamworth	40	13	9	18	47	56	-9	48
17		Alfreton Town	40	12	12	16	56	68	-12	48
18		Gateshead	40	11	14	15	49	52	-3	47
19		Nuneaton	41	11	14	16	47	59	-12	47
20		Southport	41	12	11	18	65	78	-13	47
21		Stockport County	41	12	10	19	52	66	-14	46
22		Barrow	40	11	11	18	42	70	-28	44
23		Ebbsfleet United	38	8	12	18	50	75	-25	36
24		AFC Telford United	42	5	16	21	49	72	-23	31

Cambridge Quality Confronts Imps Quest For 4 Wins from 4

Cambridge have thrown a lot of money at their centenary season, but alas the Black & Amber gamblers have little to show but surprising mid-table mediocrity. On paper that is, for that would be to suggest they cannot play, oh but how they can on their day. Jez George has built a footballing side that just lacks the physical attrition to compete with many of the sides that a would-be contender will have to meet and greet over the 46 match marathon that is the BSP.  Though not without guile in Gash (out), the side has style, should we let them play. The physical side of the Imps game of late has shown that the good the bad, the beautiful or the ugly, can be taken down a peg or two, irrespective of budget. United will have to cut their cloth next season, that is for sure, whilst Simmo will add to his dogs of war, selling pride and passion to secure some golden handcuffs. Not to be missed this one with a three thousand plus crowd expected and some decent, but friendly, home and away banter guaranteed.

As usual our ban precludes us from being at a home game, but a massive welcome to the travelling United fans, thank you for reading the Form of the Foe courtesy of Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

v

Saturday  22nd March K.O 3 pm

Away Fans Prices

Adults £18

Cons £11

U18 £7

Lincolnshire Co Op (Cap 1800)

Home Fans pricing Here

GROUND GUIDE

 

United sit 11th whilst the Imps sit 15th, with just 5 points the difference. The question is, will the becalming influence of mid-table security lack desire in the face of a winning Imps side, still mindful of the trapdoor to the Blue Square North abyss?

os		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	42	24	9	9	71	38	33	81
11		Cambridge United	41	14	12	15	65	65	0	54
12		Dartford	39	15	8	16	56	57	-1	53
13		Braintree Town	38	15	7	16	53	64	-11	52
14		Hyde FC	41	15	6	20	58	64	-6	51
15		Lincoln City	41	13	10	18	59	65	-6	49
16		Tamworth	40	13	9	18	47	56	-9	48
17		Alfreton Town	40	12	12	16	56	68	-12	48
18		Gateshead	40	11	14	15	49	52	-3	47
19		Nuneaton	41	11	14	16	47	59	-12	47
20		Southport	41	12	11	18	65	78	-13	47
21		Stockport County	41	12	10	19	52	66	-14	46
22		Barrow	40	11	11	18	42	70	-28	44
23		Ebbsfleet United	38	8	12	18	50	75	-25	36
24		AFC Telford United	42	5	16	21	49	72	-23	31

The Team & scheme

Jez George favours 4-4-2

30 Pope

22 Wassmer 12 McAuley 2 Roberts 34 Haynes-Brown

18 Berry 16 Jarvis 6 Shaw 11 Dunk

17 Hughes 10 Elliott

 The U’s Form

United are the 5th best side in the division over the last 5 games, but they are an enigma, despite  big investment. The quality is there, but they have been frail against the lesser teams eager for a scalp. The Black & Amber gamblers could just as easily win this with quality, lose it with a whimper  or take part in an entertaining Jekyll and Hyde draw.

Recent Results (last game 1st)			Results breakdown
Cambridge	2
Luton	2		G	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Position
Hyde	2	Home	21	8	6	7	31	29	2	30	9
Cambridge	1	Away	20	6	6	8	34	36	-2	24	12
Cambridge	1	Overall	41	14	12	15	65	65	2	54	11
Ebbsfleet	1	The last 5′s
Grimsby	0		G	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Position
Cambridge	1	Overall	5	2	2	1	6	5	1	8	5
Cambridge	1	Home	5	1	3	1	5	6	-1	6	19
Woking	0	Away	5	2	0	3	6	8	-2	6	11
Southport	2	Form By Month
Cambridge	1		G	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Position
Cambridge	0	January	4	2	2	0	5	1	4	8	5
FGR	0	February	6	2	0	4	8	14	-6	6	15
		March	7	2	3	2	7	7	0	9	12

  £££ – Ker-ching 

Highest Home Gate	3217	Luton
Lowest home gate	1737	Ebbsfleet
Average Home Gate	2221
Total Turnstile Clicks	42,200

  Heroes & Villains

Heroes	Goals		Assists
Elliott	13	Dunk	6
Gash	12	Gash	6
Shaw	5	Andrew	4
3 lads on	4	Jennings	4
		4 lads on	3
Villains	Yellows		Reds
Jennings	6	Pugh	1
Roberts	5	Berry	1
Wassmer/Dunk	4	Shaw	1
Berry/Willmott	4
YELLOWS	48	REDS	3

  Keeper corner- Nick Pope

Nick, just 20, is on loan from Charlton Athletic and took over from Craig Ross 5 games ago.   His first two starts saw clean sheets in the two one-nil wins against Woking and Grimsby.  Thus far he has made 30 saves, kept 2 clean sheets and managed to keep his goals conceded rate down to a rather credible one every 90 minutes. But it is on the rise with 2 in each of the last two games.

Games	Sub	Conceded	Saves	Mins Played	Clean sheets	Mins per goal	Yc’s	Rc’s
5	0	5	30	450	2	90	0	0

The Stats That Iced the 9 point Imp Cake this week

What  a week as the Imps add a 2-0 win over Alfreton to a 3-0 trouncing of Braintree and the 3-2 thriller over Telford, who were relegated today.  On 41, a great ball from Taylor to  Hobson, saw him side-foot home from 16 yards.  On 81 Nat Brown puts the ball back into the area and Oliver out-jumps the keeper, heads over him and then taps home from  12 yards for 2-0. A very physical Alfreton had been reduced to 10 after full-back Franklin saw red on 6 minutes for a foul on Gray that needed stitches and crutches.  That said keeper Pickford had a blinder whilst Boyce stood tall for the Imps.

Thanks for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

0V2 

Alfreton  –  Lincoln

(H/T  0–1)

Scorers

41 Hobson, 81 Oliver 

Att  1189

Ref: Joyce

Reds 733 , Imps 456     

*****

The teams & Schemes

  

4-4-2  (then 4-3-2)

***

13 Pickford

12 Franks (R-6) 6 Kempson 5 Quinn 3 Franklin

7 Brown 17 Streete (Y-25) 8 Soares 18 Hewitt

21 Tomlinson 9 Clayton

*****

 Substitutions

54 d/s –  Meadows on for  Hewitt and Arnold on for Clayton. 76 Boden on for Tomlinson.

***

Subs 

 (GK), 10 Bradley (D) , 16 Rose (D), 11 Arnold (MF), 14 Meadows (MF), 15 Boden (STR)

 

4-2-3-1

(5-3-2 from 11 Smith to LM Miller LWB & Sheridan RWB)

***

1 Farman  (Y-88)

20 Miller   25 Brown    5 Boyce  15 Gray

           4 Jordan (Y-18)  35 Turnbull            

  10 Taylor  (Y-78) 8 Power 12 Sheridan 

  23 Hobson

***

Substitutions

 10 Smith on for Gray, 55 Oliver (Y-90) on for Hobson, 83 Jones on for Taylor.

***

Subs 

31 David Preece (GK), 16 Nicky Nicolau (MF),  18 Jake Jones (MF),  7 Adam Smith (MF), 14 Vadaine Oliver

 *****

  0v 2 

*****

Stats

Note

shots on includes goals and saves includes crosses claimed

*****

48% Ball 52%

5 Shots on 12

4 Misses 3

7 Saves 3

3 Corners 4

4 Offside 5

15 Fouls 14

1 Yellows 4

1 Reds 0

BSP Table 30/3/13

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	42	24	9	9	71	38	33	81
2		Mansfield Town	39	25	5	9	76	46	30	80
3		Wrexham	39	20	12	7	69	38	31	72
4		Newport County AFC	39	21	8	10	74	53	21	71
5		Grimsby Town	39	18	12	9	56	32	24	66
6		Forest Green Rovers	40	18	10	12	59	40	19	64
7		Macclesfield Town	39	16	11	12	56	53	3	59
8		Hereford United	40	15	12	13	60	58	2	57
9		Luton Town	39	15	11	13	57	51	6	56
10		Woking	41	16	8	17	64	70	-6	56
11		Cambridge United	41	14	12	15	65	65	0	54
12		Dartford	39	15	8	16	56	57	-1	53
13		Braintree Town	38	15	7	16	53	64	-11	52
14		Hyde FC	41	15	6	20	58	64	-6	51
15		Lincoln City	41	13	10	18	59	65	-6	49
16		Tamworth	40	13	9	18	47	56	-9	48
17		Alfreton Town	40	12	12	16	56	68	-12	48
18		Gateshead	40	11	14	15	49	52	-3	47
19		Nuneaton	41	11	14	16	47	59	-12	47
20		Southport	41	12	11	18	65	78	-13	47
21		Stockport County	41	12	10	19	52	66	-14	46
22		Barrow	40	11	11	18	42	70	-28	44
23		Ebbsfleet United	38	8	12	18	50	75	-25	36
24		AFC Telford United	42	5	16	21	49	72	-23	31

Alfreton 0 Lincoln 2 The Mighty Imps Go Marching On On On

The Imps thoroughly deserved to beat 10 man Alfreton to end a week with 9 points from three games. Roared on by the Imp hordes (we took 456 today), the shot count was as impressive as the desire to honour the shirt. Simmo has certainly installed a passion and a dogs of war mentality that will ensure this club will not lay down and die.  We need to be, because those around us got results making Cambridge a must see must win game on Monday.  But let us not get ahead of ourselves, for the benefit of  Reds fans, visiting the site for the first time, first the  score & scorers, secondly the teams & schemes, then the match report and finally more stats than you can shake an Imp or Red at

Thanks for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

0V2 

Alfreton  –  Lincoln

(H/T  0–1)

Scorers

41 Hobson, 81 Oliver 

Att  1189

Ref: Joyce

Reds 733 , Imps 456     

*****

The teams & Schemes

  

4-4-2  (then 4-3-2)

***

13 Pickford

12 Franks (R-6) 6 Kempson 5 Quinn 3 Franklin

7 Brown 17 Streete (Y-25) 8 Soares 18 Hewitt

21 Tomlinson 9 Clayton

*****

 Substitutions

54 d/s –  Meadows on for  Hewitt and Arnold on for Clayton. 76 Boden on for Tomlinson.

***

Subs 

 (GK), 10 Bradley (D) , 16 Rose (D), 11 Arnold (MF), 14 Meadows (MF), 15 Boden (STR)

 

4-2-3-1

(5-3-2 from 11 Smith to LM Miller LWB & Sheridan RWB)

***

1 Farman  (Y-88)

20 Miller   25 Brown    5 Boyce  15 Gray

           4 Jordan (Y-18)  35 Turnbull            

  10 Taylor  (Y-78) 8 Power 12 Sheridan 

  23 Hobson

***

Substitutions

 10 Smith on for Gray, 55 Oliver (Y-90) on for Hobson, 83 Jones on for Taylor.

***

Subs 

31 David Preece (GK), 16 Nicky Nicolau (MF),  18 Jake Jones (MF),  7 Adam Smith (MF), 14 Vadaine Oliver

 *****

 

But to the game fellow football fans, to the game…….

The Imps were first to press and won a corner. Power delivered but Clayton cleared.  The promising start sees Taylor shoot just wide.  Power sends in a terrific delivery but Taylor’s effort is brilliantly saved by Pickford.  Dan Gray is away but is brought down by full-back Franklin who is red-carded for a professional foul.  With just 6 minutes on the clock, the hosts are down to 10 and outnumbered on and perhaps off the field, with a huge Imps contingent sensing a third win on the bounce.

This did ruin the flow of the game leading to a moody start -stop affair. Gray was forced to leave the field after that red challenge (5 stitches and on crutches), to be replaced by Smith, as Miller moves to left back and Sheridan drops to right-back.  A Power free-kick is cleared by Kempson, after Franks fouled Hobson. Turnbull then puts a tasty one in on Hewitt and Hobson gets one back on Franks. Two big physical sides are toe to toe with football very much second fiddle until a nice exchange sees Taylor again denied by a great reaction save by Pickford.  Jordan is booked for unsporting behaviour, amazing given the stuff that has gone on before.

Pickford saves well from Power and Farman claims Brown’s cross at the other end.  A great cross from Smith is claimed well by Pickford, having a stormer, under pressure from Hobson. A crude foul from Streete on Sheridan sees him booked. The Imps start to make the additional man count, Sheridan gets in a couple of crosses, as do Smith and Turbull but Hobson lacks the mobility to get on the end of them.  A great ball from Taylor to feet gives Hobson the chance to finish in the corner from 16 yards.  1-0 to the Imps and just at the right time too with just 4 minutes to wind down until the break.

Second half.

Both managers kept the faith.  Smith has an early chance,but terns inside and fires straight at Pickford.  A great cross by Sheridan on the overlap finds Taylor who is denied again by Pickford. Another slick move between Jordan and Sheridan finds Taylor, who plays to Hobson, but he slices wide.  Tomlinson has the legs on Brown but Farman makes himself big to smoother the shot.

Alfreton are game with an end to end game, increasing in speed and quality. A great couple of step-overs from Smith sees him turn inside and hammer goalward, but hero Pickford saves again. A double change for the Reds sees Meadows on for Hewitt and Clayton replaced by Arnold.  Oliver then comes on for Hobson.  A great run from Smith, saw him roast his man before pulling back for Power who shoots narrowly over.

A tenacious attack from Alfreton sees Boyce clear to Jordan who plays to Power who just fails to control and the move breaks down. Arnold then fizzes wide.  Oliver chests down to Taylor who shoots straight at the keeper. Pickford hits long but Boyce picks Tomlinson’s pocket brilliantly. Its end to end stuff with some great late saving challenges at both ends from Sheridan, Street, Miller and Anton Brown.

Taylor needs treatment after a dig from Quinn.  Alfreton swap full-backs with Sheridan and Smith now running riot down the flanks.  A neat back heal from Taylor finds Power but his chip is claimed by Pickford. Alfreton are however dangerous on the break with Miller and Boyce bringing an end to two promising counters.  Sheridan and Jordan are both continuing their fine respective runs of form.  A great effort from Oliver sees him go for the corner only for Pickford to brilliantly claw it back. With Taylor lurking skipper Kempson bravely puts his body on the line to block the rebound.

An Oliver Taylor front two will serve us well if we can keep it together you feel.  That said we got lucky for the winner on 80 minutes, with the ref ignoring the offside flag as Taylor failed to beat the delivery of a second ball. Nat Brown puts the ball back into the area and Oliver out-jumps the keeper, heads over him and then taps home from  12 yards.  Oliver, nursing a groin strain has not lost a header so far and shows what we have missed in terms of physical presence and technique since his suspension and injury.

Jake Jones comes on for Taylor as the Imps drop a gear to hold on for the win and save some energy for Monday given the incredible results going on around us. Farman gets a late yellow for running down time as the fourth official signals 4 minutes of injury time.   Oliver also gets a 90th minute yellow for a foul on Quinn.  It matters little as The Mighty Imps take 9 points from a possible 9. Bring on Cambridge this Bank Holiday Monday, let’s put this season to bed!

Synopsis

The Imps now sit on 49 points, in a lofty 15th position. But Stockport, who drop into the drop zone after a 1-1 draw at Macc are just 3 points behind.  We move a point above Tamworth, who lost 0-1 to the Stags and Gateshead, who drew 2-2 with Southport. Port have halted a losing streak but are now just a point above the drop.  Nuneaton win 3-0 at Telford who are now down.  Barrow got a spirited draw at Grimsby to keep another clean sheet. It’s still close at the bottom, but the 51 points target is looking a lot closer and a lot more realistic going into Monday’s games.

 0 v 2 

*****

Stats

Note

shots on includes goals and saves includes crosses claimed

*****

48% Ball 52%

5 Shots on 12

4 Misses 3

7 Saves 3

3 Corners 4

4 Offside 5

15 Fouls 14

1 Yellows 4

1 Reds 0

BSP Table 30/3/13

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	42	24	9	9	71	38	33	81
2		Mansfield Town	39	25	5	9	76	46	30	80
3		Wrexham	39	20	12	7	69	38	31	72
4		Newport County AFC	39	21	8	10	74	53	21	71
5		Grimsby Town	39	18	12	9	56	32	24	66
6		Forest Green Rovers	40	18	10	12	59	40	19	64
7		Macclesfield Town	39	16	11	12	56	53	3	59
8		Hereford United	40	15	12	13	60	58	2	57
9		Luton Town	39	15	11	13	57	51	6	56
10		Woking	41	16	8	17	64	70	-6	56
11		Cambridge United	41	14	12	15	65	65	0	54
12		Dartford	39	15	8	16	56	57	-1	53
13		Braintree Town	38	15	7	16	53	64	-11	52
14		Hyde FC	41	15	6	20	58	64	-6	51
15		Lincoln City	41	13	10	18	59	65	-6	49
16		Tamworth	40	13	9	18	47	56	-9	48
17		Alfreton Town	40	12	12	16	56	68	-12	48
18		Gateshead	40	11	14	15	49	52	-3	47
19		Nuneaton	41	11	14	16	47	59	-12	47
20		Southport	41	12	11	18	65	78	-13	47
21		Stockport County	41	12	10	19	52	66	-14	46
22		Barrow	40	11	11	18	42	70	-28	44
23		Ebbsfleet United	38	8	12	18	50	75	-25	36
24		AFC Telford United	42	5	16	21	49	72	-23	31

Mansfield or Harriers + The Gowling Factor?

Ex-Gillingham and Lincoln star Josh Gowling has been the bedrock of the Harriers climb from bottom to top of the BSP. Mansfield may have the games in hand and the edge but Kidderminster Harriers have found the midas touch, for since joining his new team they have won 23 games, drawn 8 and lost  4, to have a record comparable to that of Manchester United and Barcelona. Then again the Stags have become invincible winning their last 5 home and 5 away games. The Cox blending process has not been without Just-in-time refinements along the way, but it is certainly coming good on the home straight.

STMI gives a run-down on Josh and the games to go before the BSP sends a fresh face to the Football League (who will more than likely turn down 3 up 3 down this summer)

Thank you for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

Josh Gowling moved to the Imps from Gillingham, initially on loan before signing for Tilson permanently. He would endure relegation, criticism and more misery and turmoil, which he took in his stride before being rescued by Kidderminster at the end of the transfer window. The Harriers had lost all 5 games and were already adrift at the bottom, so frome the fying pan to the fire seamed apt. But it would be the Imps, eager to cut the wage bill and stay within a mean budget, that would struggle whilst the Harriers went on an unbeaten run of 8 games, from the day he made his début.

Manager Burr, had the talent in the side and the backing of an ambitious chairman, but they leaked goals.  Since those initial 8 games the form has got better and better with 20 more wins, 3 more draws and just 4 defeats.  Josh has quietly and consistently gone about his job becoming an important part of the furniture.  It is nothing more than one comes to expect of a consummate pro and a genuine bloke.

BSP Standings 28/3/13

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	41	23	9	9	69	37	32	78
2		Mansfield Town	38	24	5	9	75	46	29	77
3		Wrexham	38	20	12	6	69	36	33	72
4		Newport County AFC	38	21	7	10	74	53	21	70
5		Grimsby Town	38	18	11	9	56	32	24	65
6		Forest Green Rovers	39	17	10	12	57	40	17	61
7		Macclesfield Town	38	16	10	12	55	52	3	58
8		Hereford United	39	15	11	13	59	57	2	56
9		Luton Town	38	15	10	13	55	49	6	55

 The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative Rank in BSP
Overall	5	4	1	0	14	6	8	13	2
Home	5	4	1	0	15	8	7	13	2
Away	5	4	0	1	9	5	4	12	2

 The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	Kidderminster	v	Braintree Town	15:00
April
Mon 1st	Luton	v	Kidderminster	15:00
Sat 6th	Kidderminster	v	Lincoln City	15:00
Sat 13th	Wrexham	v	Kidderminster	17:15
Sat 20th	Kidderminster	v	Stockport County	17:15

With the Easter double-headers upon us, Mansfield certainly seem to hold all the aces.  The in-form Stags are a point behind with 3 games in hand and have won their last 5 home and away. Invincible you feel, with the title likely to be their’s.  Ambitious Chairman John Radford will see the desired return on his investment you feel, one that has seen the ground repurchased for the fans to boot.  Ahead of a fixture pileup between now and 9th April

 

 The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative Rank in BSP
Overall	5	5	0	0	11	3	8	15	1
Home	5	5	0	0	11	2	9	15	1
Away	5	5	0	0	9	4	5	15	1

 The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	Tamworth	v	Mansfield	15:00
April
Mon 1st	Mansfield	v	Gateshead	15:00
Thu 4th	Wrexham	v	Mansfield	19:45
Sat 6th	Barrow	v	Mansfield	15:00
Tue 9th	Mansfield	v	Macclesfield	19:45
Sat 13th	Braintree Town	v	Mansfield	15:00
Tue 16th	Hereford	v	Mansfield	19:45
Sat 20th	Mansfield	v	Wrexham	17:15

STMI Prediction: It looks like one less Derby for the Imps, although Kidderminster will be firm favourites to follow them, albeit via the play offs.

Can 500 Imps Witness 3rd Win In 3

‘Tis on a knife edge then, just five points divide Hyde, Tamworth, Alfreton, Gateshead, Lincoln, Southport, Stockport, Nuneaton and Barrow. Two wins separate 14th and 22nd in the most exciting BSP basement battle ever.  The Imps have found form at just the right time,  but all could be undone with everyone capable of beating anyone in this League.

A warm welcome to Alfreton fans visiting the site for the first time, thank you for reading the Form of the Foe courtesy of Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

V 

Saturday  30th March K.O 3pm

GROUND GUIDE

Away Fans Prices

Adults £18

Cons £11

U16 £11

Alma Terrace (Cap 1200)

After the heroics of Tuesday night our Imp heroes  go into this weekend knowing both games to be pivotal, given our tough April.  Confidence is high however and, this can be another big step in the right direction with another fantastic following of 4-500 set to travel.

The Reds sit 16th, by virtue of goal difference, just behind Tamworth and in-form Hyde, whilst the Imps sit 18th.

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	41	23	9	9	69	37	32	78
14		Hyde FC	40	14	6	20	56	64	-8	48
15		Tamworth	39	13	9	17	47	55	-8	48
16		Alfreton Town	39	12	12	15	56	66	-10	48
17		Gateshead	39	11	13	15	47	50	-3	46
18		Lincoln City	40	12	10	18	57	65	-8	46
19		Southport	40	12	10	18	63	76	-13	46
20		Stockport County	40	12	9	19	51	65	-14	45
21		Nuneaton	40	10	14	16	44	59	-15	44
22		Barrow	39	11	10	18	42	70	-28	43
23		Ebbsfleet United	37	8	12	17	50	73	-23	36
24		AFC Telford United	41	5	16	20	49	69	-20	31

Likely Team & scheme

Law favours 4-4-2

***

13 Pickford

2 Law 16 Rose 5 Quinn 3 Franklin

7 Brown 10 Bradley 8 Soares 18 Hewitt

21 Tomlinson 9 Clayton

  Alfreton’s Form

Alfreton’s home record is the 22nd worst in the division, although that has improved to 6th on current form.   Then again overall the Reds are the 6th most in-form side in the BSP, despite 3 postponements in a busy March that could still see them sucked into a dogfight if they suffer a second defeat on the trot. Not as unlikely as it seems given the form of the sides around the relegation trapdoor. It’s so tight an agents bank notes would blink if they were lucky enough to see sunlight. 

Recent Results (last game 1st)			Results breakdown
Braintree	2
Alfreton	1		G	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Position
Alfreton	3	Home	18	6	5	7	30	33	-3	23	20
Gateshead	2	Away	21	6	7	8	26	33	-7	26	7
Alfreton	3	Overall	39	12	12	15	56	66	-10	48	16
Ebbsfleet	0	The last 5′s
Tamworth	1		G	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Position
Alfreton	1	Overall	5	2	2	1	9	6	3	8	6
Wrexham	1	Home	5	2	2	1	12	8	4	9	6
Alfreton	1	Away	5	0	2	3	4	8	-4	2	21
Alfreton	5	Form By Month
Hyde	1		G	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Position
Kidderminster	3	January	5	1	2	2	7	10	-3	5	14
Alfreton	1	February	7	2	0	5	12	14	-2	6	15
		March	5	2	2	1	9	6	3	8	12

  Ker-ching £££

Highest Home Gate	1537	Mansfield
Lowest home gate	459	Ebbsfleet
Average Home Gate	726
Total Turnstile Clicks	12,346

 Heroes & Villains

Heroes	Goals		Assists
Clayton	14	Law	9
Tomlinson	11	Arnold	9
Bradley	4	Bradley	4
3 lads on	3	Clayton	4
Villains	Yellows		Reds
Tomlinson	8	Streete	2
Kempson	8	Denton	1
Franks	8
Streete	7
YELLOWS	66	REDS	3

Keeper corner – Jordan Pickford

The 19 year-old has grasped the his first team opportunity and made the position his own for the last 6 games.  A good away following could unsettle the tall yet sleight lad who has one clean sheet to his name but relatively little experience.

Games	Sub	Conceded	Saves	Mins Played	Clean sheets	Mins per goal	Yc’s	Rc’s
6	0	7	29	540	1	77	0	0

Diagne Dazzles Catching Roving Scouts’ Eyes.

Tony Diagne, a Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers Rovers target last season, caught the eye of  the posse of scouts in the stands, with a championship class brace for the Imps against Braintree on Tuesday night. The former Nottingham Forest left-back in on loan from Macclesfield put in a match-winning performance as the ten-man Imps thumped the hosts 3-0.  Gary Simpson also rates the 22 year old highly, having previously signed him from French club CM Aubervilliers in 2011, whilst at Macc.  Indeed the lad almost made a move to Bury on loan in the Autumn.

Thank you for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

On 26 minutes a neat one-two between Turnbull and Sheridan found Diagne, who on the overlap, smashed a sweet unstoppable half-volley that arrowed into the top left from all of 30 yards.  A glorious effort to settle the relegation nerves on a beech of a pitch that looked as if it had played host to a Normandy landing. But the Gallic va va voom continued  as our cultured full-back served up again on 74.  From a good 25-yards, just beyond the D, he thumped a fireball of a free-kick  that whistled by a motionless McDonald, who could do little but look on in awe. Mmmm a brace with grace as Impdom sounded the charge to make it three with a bullet header from Bank beast Boyce.

Tony did leave the field early with what appeared to be a knock on Tuesday but with performances like this, could the Imps plans to make a move in the summer stall, or will we bag what looks to be a gem of a left-back?

*****

 Tony Diagne’s Impstats thus far.

Sq No	Player	Starts	sub	Mins	Goals	Shots	Sh/on	Assists	YC	RC
14	Tony Diagne	6	0	349	2	8	4	1	0	0

 

STMI Biopic
Full name	Anthony Diagne
Date of birth	7 September 1990 (age 22)
Place of birth	Aubergenville, France
Playing position	Left back/Def Mid
Club information
Current club	Macclesfield Town
Number	33
Youth career
2007–2010	Nottingham Forest
Senior career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2010–2011	CM Aubervilliers	n/a	(?)
2011–Date	Macclesfield Town	84	(6)
Appearances and goals include BSP, FAC, LC and FAT

Its…. Relegation Rumble Time

Six bid for BSP salvation with Stockport County, Southport, Gateshead, Barrow, Nuneaton and the Imps scrambling for four lifeboats, leaving to to charter the choppy pond of the Blue Square North next season. That the Hatters and Imps,  are in such a mess after leaving the league, is as scandalous as it is tragic. But who will man up and have the strength of character in the face of what could be oblivion?

Thank you for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

   

With the Easter double-headers upon us, most are treading on eggshells or touching cloth without the addition of a festive Bogieman to set the festive feathers flying.  So the price of petrol and ale apart, these are the questions on everyone’s lips. Will the Bogieman cometh and pull off a Hatters trick, will saviour Simmo and disciple Grant Brown walk barefoot across the Sincil Drain, or will Southport, Gateshead, Barrow and Nuneaton fight the good fight with all their might, leaving two with crosses to bare.  Despite the cold its hot, its cross and most certainly sticky buns time as STMI takes a look at the uphill road ahead to the summit or ‘summat’ as said in these parts.

The Life Boat Race Contenders

Those games in hand have yielded two draws and a defeat, as The Heed have headed far and wide to complete home games. Last nights 0-0 against Newport, plus the 1-1 at Grimsby are credible results, but, in reality they have  won one game in six, drawing 0-0 against hapless Telford in the process.  The neutral home game against Southport is a massive six-pointer before Monday’s trip to the rampant Stags. With 5 home(ish) games left and games against Southport, Nuneaton, Stockport and Ebbsfleet the Heed’s BSP place is their’s to lose you feel. They will certainly decide a lot of fates but have enough to clear the 50 points needed.

STMI thinks 3 points from the next 2 games and finish safe on 55 points. 

The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative Rank in BSP
Overall	5	1	2	2	6	9	-3	5	17
Home	5	3	2	0	9	3	0	11	3
Away	5	1	1	3	6	7	-1	4	16

The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	Gateshead	v	Southport	15:00
April
Mon 01st	Mansfield	v	Gateshead	15:00
Sat 06th	Gateshead	v	Luton	15:00
Tue 09th	Gateshead	v	Nuneaton	19:45
Sat 13th	Hereford	v	Gateshead	15:00
Tue 16th	Gateshead	v	Stockport County	19:45
Sat 20th	Gateshead	v	Ebbsfleet United	17:15

Let us hope Alfreton are tired after losing to Braintree (1-2) the side we beat with 10 men 3-0, just 48 hours before.  They mounted a spirited late comeback so the spirit is there, but stretched every sinew and came up short. We do not want to be counting any Easter Chickens as the Reds had been unbeaten in their previous five, yet a defeat could drag them back into a belated basement battle if they are not careful.  Then it is Cambridge, a side who have lost to Hyde (1-2) and drawn with Ebbsfleet 1-1 since edging (1-0) the fishy-foe who are in free-fall.

STMI thinks the Imps will get 4 points this weekend and finish safe on 53 points. 

 The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative rank in BSP
Overall	5	3	0	2	8	5	3	9	5
Home	5	2	1	2	5	5	0	7	14
Away	5	1	1	3	7	7	0	4	16

The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	Alfreton Town	v	Lincoln City	15:00
April
Mon 1st	Lincoln City	v	Cambridge Utd	15:00
Sat 6th	Kidderminster	v	Lincoln City	15:00
Tue 9th	Luton	v	Lincoln City	19:45
Sat 13th	Lincoln City	v	Tamworth	15:00
Sat 20th	Hyde	v	Lincoln City	17:15

 

Southport beat Cambridge, came to the Imps, lost, then went into free-fall  They have lost 6 on the trot and find themselves 19th, just 2 points and 2 places above the drop zone. Keeper & ex-Imp Ben Smith is out too as they go to Gateshead desperate to reverse the slide. Their record is poor against the scrappers, Ebbsfleet beat them 4-1 and the Imps won 1-0. One drops like a stone every year and the Port are in a tough storm.  They badly need results against Gateshead and Alfreton, as we can see slim pickings away at Braintree, Grimsby and FGR. At least the final game of the season will be at home, but Luton wont be easy either.

STMI thinks Port will get 1 point this weekend but finish on 47 and go down. 

 The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative Rank in BSP
Overall	5	0	0	5	4	13	-9	0	24
Home	5	1	1	3	6	10	-4	4	21
Away	5	1	1	3	5	9	-4	4	16

The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	Gateshead	v	Southport	15:00
April
Mon 01st	Southport	v	Alfreton Town	15:00
Wed 03rd	Braintree Town	v	Southport	19:45
Sat 06th	Grimsby	v	Southport	15:00
Sat 13th	Forest Green	v	Southport	15:00
Sat 20th	Southport	v	Luton	17:15

STMI’s Cheshire sources tell me Simmo was in the running for the job until the mysterious Kalezic got, what many are starting to feel is a Cheshire poison challis.  Not Ian Bogie, a solid no nonsense non-League manager who will pull of a reprieve and lead them to much better things next year. He worked wonders at Gateshead and will ensure a play-off place on the budget the Hatters will give him next year. The 1-0 win over Newport has given the new boss some breathing space. The Hatters home form had been shocking (ranked 23rd) but in breaking the streak he will fancy Grimsby and Dartford to come. This weekend sees the Cheshire Derby at Macc, where the incredible support this club enjoys, will travel in big numbers to keep the momentum going.  Stockport have traditionally taken over 2,000 to Moss Rose and been in fine voice despite another season that has not done them justice.  A win will continue the momentum into the home game, on Monday  against the faltering fishy folk, but a defeat could see more than pride in tatters.

STMI thinks  The Hatters have had a tough run of games and have a decent run to look forward to. They should take 4 over the Easter period  and 11 before the end of the season to finish safe on 56

 The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative Rank in BSP
Overall	5	2	0	3	5	8	-3	6	14
Home	5	1	0	4	4	8	-4	3	23
Away	5	1	2	2	4	6	-2	5	12

The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	Macclesfield	v	Stockport County	15:00
April
Mon 01st	Stockport County	v	Grimsby	15:00
Sat 06th	Alfreton Town	v	Stockport	15:00
Sat 13th	Stockport	v	Dartford	15:00
Tue 16th	Gateshead	v	Stockport County	19:45
Sat 20th	Kidderminster	v	Stockport County	17:15

Nuneaton appear on the verge of undoing the good work, but Telford look just the job tomorrow. They will relegate the all but mathematically down side who are 26 without a win. Newport wont be easy, although opinions vary as they limp into the play-offs.  The Boro then play Ebbsfleet,Gateshead and Hyde suggesting the gods are clearly on their side in the run in.  Perhaps deserved as, a 0-1 reverse at the Stags apart,  they have been unbeatable, with 2 wins and 4 draws. With their mean defence the Boro should have the points in the bag before a tough trip to Dartford on the final day, but lack of goals and draws, leave a nagging doubt.

STMI thinks  Nuneaton should take 4 points over the Easter period  and 11 before the end of the season to finish safe on 55

 The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative Rank in BSP
Overall	5	2	2	1	4	3	1	8	6
Home	5	2	2	1	2	1	1	8	10
Away	5	1	2	2	6	7	-1	5	12

The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	AFC Telford	v	Nuneaton	15:00
April
Mon 01st	Nuneaton	v	Newport County	15:00
Sat 06th	Ebbsfleet United	v	Nuneaton	15:00
Tue 09th	Gateshead	v	Nuneaton	19:45
Sat 13th	Nuneaton	v	Hyde	15:00
Sat 20th	Dartford	v	Nuneaton	17:15

 

The 1-0 wins over Dartford on Saturday and Macc on Tuesday, are a big worry. Should Grimsby continue their poor form, Barrow could take 6 points over Easter. They have Hyde at home on Monday followed by two further come games,  Ebbsfleet (beatable on Wednesday) and then Mansfield on Saturday.  If Barrow get those 9 easily achievable points, then trips to Alfreton and Cambridge could really pile the pressure on everyone at the bottom.  Braintree at home final day could give then a total, along with Nuneaton, that would see Southport and someone else looking to get well over fifty points to stay up. Perhaps even 53-54.  That Alfreton game could be a key one, because either Barrow or Alfreton, another late surprise, could well fill the final place.

STMI thinks  Barrow should take 6 points over the Easter period  and 10 before the end of the season to finish safe on 53.

 The STMI Form Guide

The STMI last 5′s summary
	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Relative Rank in BSP
Overall	5	2	1	2	4	5	-1	7	10
Home	5	3	0	2	5	3	2	9	6
Away	5	1	2	2	5	8	-3	5	12

The Road Ahead

March
Sat 30th	Grimsby	v	Barrow	15:00
April
Mon 01st	Barrow	v	Hyde	15:00
Wed 03rd	Barrow	v	Ebbsfleet United	19:45
Sat 06th	Barrow	v	Mansfield	15:00
Tue 09th	Alfreton Town	v	Barrow	19:45
Sat 13th	Cambridge Utd	v	Barrow	15:00
Sat 20th	Barrow	v	Braintree Town	17:15

Conclusions?

The outcome of the Crystal ball-gazing, as Ralph at the Holker Street Newsletter puts it,  sees the Imps and Barrow making up  the final place, should Southport continue their run to 22nd. Correctly deduced, however this is a scenario, that aims to add to the speculation ahead of a vital weekend for ‘the 6’s’ futures. Any side getting 51 points should be safe (46 was enough to save Telford in 20th), but the way things are going many at the bottom are starting to show play-off form. That said it is a marathon and it is what happens over 46 games that counts.

BSP Standings 28/3/13

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	41	23	9	9	69	37	32	78
14		Hyde FC	40	14	6	20	56	64	-8	48
15		Tamworth	39	13	9	17	47	55	-8	48
16		Alfreton Town	39	12	12	15	56	66	-10	48
17		Gateshead	39	11	13	15	47	50	-3	46
18		Lincoln City	40	12	10	18	57	65	-8	46
19		Southport	40	12	10	18	63	76	-13	46
20		Stockport County	40	12	9	19	51	65	-14	45
21		Nuneaton	40	10	14	16	44	59	-15	44
22		Barrow	39	11	10	18	42	70	-28	43
23		Ebbsfleet United	37	8	12	17	50	73	-23	36
24		AFC Telford United	41	5	16	20	49	69	-20	31

Simmo: Get Down & Give Me 5 Imps You Deserve Em!

Managerial change at Stockport County (The Bogie-man has to be a concern) and the fine form of Nuneaton and Barrow have forced Simmo to set his Soldiers of Impdom an additional 3 point target for safety.  When Gary took over he felt 12 points should do it, but now the breaking of the 50 point barrier has to be seen as a more realistic and safer bet, so 15 it is. That Stockport and Lincoln, two proud teams with such great and loyal support, are in such a position after leaving the league, is a tragedy in itself. But onward and upward – don’t look back in anger.

Thank you for reading Neil Gentleman-Hobbs 

Simmo and Grant Brown were seen at the Braintree game last night, where our opponents, Alfreton, went down 2-1 despite a late and, hopefully energy sapping rally, that saw them pull one back.  Be prepared, Cub Scout Imps, for this is further evidence of the 24/7 work ethic of the management duo. This approach has certainly filtered down and benefited the resurgent Imps.  The Gaffer’s post match  ‘ its scandalous that we are in a position like this after a performance like that’ comment shows he recognises the progress and heart that theImps are putting in. With mud in his studs he will defend and kick every ball with his team, Grant is learning fast, but is as Imp, as the little chap that bashed the bishop and escaped from the cathedral all those years ago.

Although the signings of Nat Brown, Todd Jordan and Tony ‘the brace with grace’ Diagne, have been inspirational, it has been the ability to work with what we have got that has seen the turn. Necessity is the mother of invention given the Imps resources and options at this stage of the season.  The reality of being unable to get in better than we have, has seen the duo put arms round shoulders and engage and involve every member of the side, including the walking wounded.  Vadaine Oliver, Tony Diagne and Jake Sheridan could also be doubts for the Easter period.

But the response of the players has been magnificent. Jake Sheridan, for instance, has played to his strengths and been a key architect in the two three goal salvo’s in the last couple of games that have yielded the Imps six precious points. Boyce, Miller, Brown and Diagne have contributed at both ends of the pitch, putting in brave full-throttle performances.

Team spirit is a big thing in football, as is preparation and the ability to get the best from what you have.  There is a line in the sand mentality, that is refreshed every Monday morning, don’t look back in anger, but look forward and ‘want it’.  Every able-bodied Imp will  play a part and have a chance to be in the reckoning, if they want to grasp the nettle. Nearly all do, for there is belief, in truth faith, in the management team, flexible formations and the desire to contest every ball with a view to a fast counter has seen shot counts higher than at any stage of the season.

The Imps are beginning to get a bit of a reputation, with an in-your-face direct style, that is not uncharacteristic of the KA/Simmo era. The card-count is up, so are the points in the bag.  The momentum is with us and, injuries permitting, Simmo will still be able to call on a magnificent spirit that should see win against Alfreton as well as Cambridge. STMI fancied 4 points from this week, but we got 6, with 6 goals from Taylor who finishes like a virtuoso violinist. But it is the work ethic leading up to those strikes, both on and off the pitch, that is the real watershed at Lincoln City.

The Imps have character, are playing to their strengths, brushing off the failures and moving on quickly, finding leaders all over the pitch. They are properly prepared for the up-coming job and have the belief in what they are being asked to do, knowing their mates and management will back them up. Simple things, common sense perhaps? But then how many ex-managers were either asking too much or trying to put square pegs in round holes?

We will get those points you feel,  but in reality the positive path to change and success has already begun.

March
Sat 30th	Alfreton Town	v	Lincoln City	15:00
April
Mon 1st	Lincoln City	v	Cambridge Utd	15:00
Sat 6th	Kidderminster	v	Lincoln City	15:00
Tue 9th	Luton	v	Lincoln City	19:45
Sat 13th	Lincoln City	v	Tamworth	15:00
Sat 20th	Hyde	v	Lincoln City	17:15

BSP Standings 28/3/13

Pos		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1		Kidderminster Harriers	41	23	9	9	69	37	32	78
14		Hyde FC	40	14	6	20	56	64	-8	48
15		Tamworth	39	13	9	17	47	55	-8	48
16		Alfreton Town	39	12	12	15	56	66	-10	48
17		Gateshead	39	11	13	15	47	50	-3	46
18		Lincoln City	40	12	10	18	57	65	-8	46
19		Southport	40	12	10	18	63	76	-13	46
20		Stockport County	40	12	9	19	51	65	-14	45
21		Nuneaton	40	10	14	16	44	59	-15	44
22		Barrow	39	11	10	18	42	70	-28	43
23		Ebbsfleet United	37	8	12	17	50	73	-23	36
24		AFC Telford United	41	5	16	20	49	69	-20	31