Hartlepool travel to Sincil Bank to face a struggling Lincoln side in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
Match Preview
Hartlepool made it to round two of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after an easy 3-1 win at Chesterfield. Lincoln had a much easier time getting to round two as they didn’t even play in round one.
Danny Wilson again criticised the competition organisers over the first team rule. “It is a nonsense, it is absolutely ridiculous that I can’t make too many changes because we are playing on Friday night as well,” he said.
He told the Northern Echo he wanted to play more fringe players “If it was my choice we would let more players have a rest and the squad players need games too. It’s an ideal chance to play the lads who aren’t getting a game.
“I can understand the ethos of Johnstone’s Paint in not wanting weakened sides put out. But they also have to take into consideration us as well.
Lincoln boss John Schofield disagrees with Wilson and is going for a win tonight “There have been a lot of negative comments about the competition in recent years but like every competition you enter you go into it wanting to win,” he said to redimps.co.uk.
He admitted his side would be the underdogs tonight “Although we’re playing at home, we’ll be going into the match as underdogs against Hartlepool who have had a decent start to their first season back in League One. Danny Wilson has done a terrific job with them and it will prove to be difficult game.”
Lincoln City Team News:
Lincoln boss John Schofield has no new injury worries and could name an unchanged team tonight.
Player to watch: Steve Torpey
Vetran Striker Steve Torpey has yet to score since him summer move from Scunthorpe, he’ll see our leaky defence as an oppertunity to get off the mark tonight.
Hartlepool Team News:
Pools have no injury worries but Danny Wilson could make changes. Arran Lee-Barrett could be given a chance in goal and Willie Boland is a candidate for a rest in midfield.
Wilson will not be able to make wholesale changes due to the JPT rules which demand 60% of the first team to play.
Player to watch: James Brown
Brown has been finding it tough of late, he’s been heavily marked out of games but should be more free tonight against a lower standard of player.
Match Facts & Stats
Last season Pools picked up just 1 point from the two games against Lincoln, almost a year ago we went down 2-0 at Sincil Bank while a 90th minute Ritchie Barker penalty rescued a point at the Vic in March.
In this competition Pools have won just one game in the five times they have faced the Imps.
Match Prediction:
I really expect us to win tonight, looking at the draw there’s only a few teams i wouldn’t want to play. Leeds and Carlisle would be tough games but apart from that i think we’d do fine.
I’d like to see Ben Clark, Michael Mackay and ALB given a chance to shine. I feel Clark has been harshly dealt with this season and should be starting every game.
I’m going for a 3-1 victory, i think the game will be far more open than we’re used to and i think we can get a couple of goals. Brown, Mackay and Liddle to score.
Lincoln City 1-3 Hartlepool
Next Fixtures:
Pools face Bristol Rovers at the Vic on Friday while Lincoln face the League Two leaders MK Dons on Saturday.
