Day 179

We’re described as “firm favourites” for tomorrow’s clash with 23rd placed Barrow. We’ve gone five consecutive games without defeat; they haven’t won any of their last five matches. Anything but a big Lincoln win will be considered an upset.

Barrow’s key man is actually a Lincoln player. Central defender Danny Hone is on a season-long loan. I wasn’t around when the deal was made, but it looks like he’s eligible to play against us. That doesn’t strike me as a very sensible strategy. What if he gets man of the match and leads Barrow to victory?

Apparently Barrow’s manager is in the comedy business. He said that if we beat them, “Of course” we’ll be in a strong position for promotion. Because beating a team with four wins and 14 losses from 23 games is always a big indicator as to whether you can push for promotion. (Yeah, right.) If we lose, that means something (and it’s not positive). If we win, it’s nothing.

Elvijs Putnins arrived at the club for a three-month loan spell today. Just in time, too. I was worried that I’d have to field Chris Adamson in goal. Putnins needs match fitness, but he’s a quality player—so I think he’ll be okay to play tomorrow.

Ian Bennett flatly refused to demean himself by coming to play for a Conference team. It’s his loss. He can sit out the final days of his career as Huddersfield’s fourth-choice goalkeeper if that’s what he wants to do. Pride causes people to make odd decisions sometimes.