Under manager Gary Simpson, Lincoln are beginning to earn a tag as a side of bullies.
A string of opposition fans have taken to forums already this season to complain about the long ball strong-arm tactics of the Imps during games. The complaints could be seen as sour grapes with the Imps earning 17 points, and a brief stay in the play-off zone, before Saturday's 3-2 loss to Luton.
That loss saw the first time the Imps had conceded more than one goal this season, with just five conceded in the other nine games. Keeper Paul Farman was guilty for the second goal, allowing a free kick to squirm from his grasp, but boss Simpson was keen not to blame him too much as he told the press:
“The second goal gave them the impetus. It is a mistake by Farman, but to be fair to the kid he has been terrific this season. You can't legislate for it. Hopefully he will put it to the back of his mind and get on with it.
“We win as a team and we lose as a team. It's not just down to him why we lost the game. We know we are in it together - supporters, staff, players, board, everybody. You win as a team and you lose as a team.”
Looking towards Tuesday's game, Simpson added: “We are in good nick. At the end of the day, games come thick and fast and I don't mind. I think we are playing well.”
While their defensive record is solid, the Imps have scored only 11 times in 10 games with the lack of forward options a criticism from their own fans. Ben Tomlinson leads the line with four goals this term while former Bulls loanee Waide Fairhurst, an unused sub on Saturday, has netted twice in the four games