This afternoon, Lincoln City head to Hertfordshire to take on Stevenage as they look to secure the League One title, backed by over 1,300 fans.
Michael Skubala’s side needs just two points to secure the title and end a truly memorable season in style.
Lincoln City’s Fairytale Campaign
The last decade has been one to enjoy for Imps’ fans, with the club going from mid-table (at best) in the Conference to the second tier of English football.
Today’s trip to Stevenage is a chance for fans to party and enjoy their day out while watching history unfold before their eyes.
Not only have the Imps secured a return to English football’s second tier for the first time in 65 years, but they stand inches away from the club’s first-ever third-tier title and with the chance of obtaining an incredible 105 points.
Darker Times At Lincoln City
However, it was a very different story on this day in 2015 as the Imps were limping to the end of another drab season in England’s fifth tier.
Lincoln City, under the management of Chris Moyses, had won just twice in their previous 11 games and welcomed playoff-chasing Eastleigh to Sincil Bank.
In front of a crowd of just over 2,000, a world away from the capacity home gates of today, the visitors went on to strengthen their playoff push and sent the Imps to a 20th defeat of the campaign.
The Imps lined up with cult hero Paul Farman in goal, Algeria Under 20 international Hamza Bencherif in defence, Alan Power anchoring a young midfield and Ben Tomlinson alongside Delano Sam-Yorke up top.
Eastleigh had the experienced Richard Hill in the dugout, the equally experienced Ross Flitney in goal, 18-goal striker James Constable up front and were able to call upon former Premier League striker Deon Burton from the bench.
The visitors took the lead minutes before half-time, with Jack Midson scoring his 11th goal of the campaign thanks to a Ben Strevens assist.
It was Ben Tomlinson who brought the Imps level just before the hour mark, notching his 14th goal of the season. Tomlinson was a bright spark in a poor team, scoring over 30 goals across two seasons before departing for the League and Barnet.
He never recaptured the goal-scoring form he found at Sincil Bank and now represents Worksop Town in the National League North.
Just minutes after being pegged back, Eastleigh went ahead again as Midson turned provider for Craig McAllister to score what proved to be the winner.
City would end the season in 15th place after a 0-0 draw with relegated Dartford on the final day of the season. Barnet claimed the league title by just one point from Bristol Rovers, despite the Pirates beating Alfreton Town 7–0 at the Memorial Ground.
The Start Of Something Special
The following season, Moyses began to put together a squad that contained players who would become key cogs in the 2017 promotion under Danny Cowley.
Paul Farman continued in goal and was joined by Luke Waterfall in defence, Alan Power now lined up in a midfield containing Terry Hawkridge and up front was the soon-to-be legendary figure of Matt Rhead.
Those players, along with the likes of Sean Raggett, Sam Habergham and Nathan Arnold, helped kick-start what is undoubtedly the most successful decade in the club’s history.
Today, as we make our way south and the drinks are flowing and songs are being sung at full volume with the League One title within touching distance, cast your minds back a little over a decade and enjoy the present. After all, it can’t get any better than this. Can it?!