Imps have chance for best away record
By Nathan Jackson
April 30 2004
It's been 11 games since the Imps last defeat and now we have the chance to have the best away record in the divison however, the Imps don't have a favourable record at the Memorial Stadium and are against a very old "friend"
INTRODUCTION
11 games ago, the Imps lost 3-2 at Cheltenham thanks to 2 very late goals but since then, the Imps have gone without defeat and only need a point from 2 games to guarantee a playoff place. Tomorrow will also be a chance for the Imps to confirm them as the best travelling side in the division. City and Doncaster have both won 10, drawn 6 and lost 6 of their away games, both are away tomorrow and both are favourites to win. Doncaster travel to Boston and face a very tough test although they should still win.
TEAM NEWS
There is a rumour going around that Fletch is injured but that is unlikely due to their being nothing on the offical site. Morgan and Ellison are set to return after injuries sustained at Carlisle and both are expected to jump straight into the starting line up whilst Richard Butcher will probably continue his comeback from the bench.
BRISTOL ROVERS SEASON
Many thought that after 2 years dodging the drop, it might be 3rd time unlucky for Bristol Rovers but they started the season with a bang getting 8 points from their first 4 games and by the end of September, were looking like an outside bet for the playoffs. However, only 2 wins from 11 made them collapse back down the table and relegation looked likely on their form. That run extended to only 4 wins in 27 games and that was enough for the Rovers boardroom. They sacked Graydon and appointed Phil Bater as Caretaker manager, however, this didn't really effect team performances as results deterated. It was announced the Ian Atkins would leave Oxford in the summer to join Rovers which results in Atkins being sacked from Oxford. The game on Saturday is his first in charge and his team come off the back of 3 wins in 6 games.
VS BRISTOL ROVERS
The Imps record against well against Bristol Rovers is average and this is illustrated by the last two seasons. Rovers got relegated from Division 2 despite getting 51 points and 2001-2 saw them in Division 3. They won 1-0 at Sincil Bank but the Imps got revenge winning 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium. Last season, the Imps crashed 2-0 at the MS but won 2-1 at Sincil Bank. Earlier this season, goals from Yeo, Futcher and Fletcher gave the Imps a 3-1 victory in what turned out to be the last win in the 7 home wins in a row (how times have changed).
PREDICTIONS
Bristol Rovers are in good form at the minute but no where near the Imps and the impressive away record should see the Imps win, should being the key word :P
