Birch recovery continues despite reserves defeat

By Nathan Jackson
October 18 2006

Lincoln City striker, Gary Birch continued his comeback from injury by being arguably the Imps best player for the reserves. The striker, who has lost a lot of weight in recent weeks, injured his knee in the first month of the season but his second game back ended with a 1-0 defeat.

The signing from Kidderminster in June 2005 was leading scorer until Marvin Robinson headed his way to the top of the scorers chart last season. Birch looked set to leave the Imps after stalling on a contract and the club announced they had withdrew the contract and that Birch had been released, just 24 hours later and he had signed the supposed withdrawn contract. His pre-season was mixed and didn't impress John's Schofield and Deehan into even giving him a substitutes appearance and he was loaned out to Tamworth where he eventually injured his knee.

"It's been frustrating but hopefully I can now push for a first team place," said Birch before the start of the match.

He was one of the brighter players for the Imps, with several brilliant through-balls and passes penetrating the defence but the other members of the squad, that also included the returning Ryan Semple, couldn't make the most of the oppurtunity and this continued for the majority of the match. Grimsby scored the winner midway through the second half before Birch went off.

Whether he is ready for first team action again yet is debateable but it's pleasing to see that he's desperate to get at least on the subs bench soon. He will feel his chances are also increased after Olie Ryan yet again failed to taken advantage of a chance that fell his way in the JP Trophy defeat against Grimsby last night.