Looking ahead to: Lincoln v Boston

Lincolns clash with Boston on Saturday will be just the 2nd official league meeting between the two sides at Sincil Bank. Honours are well and truly even, with City having won 1-0 at York Street on Boxing Day following last seasons 1-1 draw at home and 2-0 defeat away. However who will fare best in this emotion charged game?
The first big news will be the return of Keith Alexander to the bench. The towering spectre of Keith at pitchside will no doubt be a massive boost to the Imps as they attempt to continue their push for a play off spot. City will however have to do without key midfielder Richard Butcher, injured possibly until the end of the season. Hopefully this could be a catalyst for the return of the enigmatic cult icon Scott Willis from his enforced loan spell at Conference strugglers Northwich Victoria.
Boston will also be without a key player, namely Simon Weatherstone. The striker has recently signed for Yeovil much to the surprise of many third division observers. Weatherstone has been instrumental in the Pilgrims rise to the Nationwide League, and his abscence will be felt by a side struggling to find the net. Also missing for Boston will be veteran goal grabber Peter Duffield who has recently expressed an interest in signing for his old side Darlington, struggling with Boston at the wrong end of the table.
Lincolns home form may not have been spectacular over recent weeks, with the defeat by Torquay and bore draws with Cheltenham and Cambridge, but Bostons away form has been even worse. The Pilgrims have won just twice on their travels, losing 10. Goals have been hard to come by with them having netted just 7 times away from York Street. The Imps have the fourth tightest defence in the third division, which should mean Boston find it particularly hard to breach the City backline.

Mainstay of Imps defence, Big Ben Futcher

With Paul Mayo suspended it could mean a return to action for speedy midfielder Richard Liburd in Mayo's wing back position. Butchers absence will undoubtedly result in the return of Ben 'No Frills' Sedgemore for more of his no nonsense tough tackling displays.
Also featuring at some point will be ex Imp and current Pilgrim Neil Redfearn. Redfearn has been a shining light for Boston in recent years, and it has to be said is something of an advert for veteran players everywhere in his long and varied career. However this derby may just be one too far for the portly midfielder.

Veteran Redfearn