Lincoln City take on fourth-placed Rotherham at Sincil Bank tomorrow (3pm) looking to clinch their first victory in four matches after Tuesday’s dramatic injury-time equaliser at Darlington.
Defender Danny Hone’s 97th minute strike grasped a crucial point at rock-bottom Darlington, but three consecutive defeats on the road previously means the Imps remain only nine points above the drop-zone.
Matters off the pitch are also a concern as Imps boss Chris Sutton admitted he felt “shackled” by the club’s financial situation.
Sutton revealed uncertainty about being able to bolster his strike force of Steve Lennon, Lennell John-Lewis and Paul Connor as on-loan striker Delroy Facey returned to Notts County.
“There are financial issues which we do have to adhere to,” said the former Chelsea striker.
“Myself and Ian (Pearce) have to look at everything and we do have a budget. I really don’t know how to say this, but the current situation is not down to us and it does have an effect in respect of who we can and can’t bring in to the squad.
“Our job is to keep the team in the division and it does help at times to be able to spend money, I have to say I wouldnt say we’ve spent an awful lot since we’ve been in.
“We have been shackled. We were slightly aware of that when we took the job, but maybe not to the extent it has been. We have to get on with it.
“My worry is, have we got enough to stay in this division? At the moment I have to say I’m not totally sure.”
Sutton however was full of praise for goal-hero Hone, who has been re-called to the back four after injuries to first choice centre-backs Adam Watts and Nathan Baker.
“The good thing about him is that he wants to work and first and foremost be a defender. He’s working at all aspects of his game, he can get stronger and quicker.
“He’s a young man and in the short space of time since I’ve been here I do see that he is making improvements. More importantly he’s got a good attitude – not only could he be a good player at Lincoln City but he could play at a higher standard.”
Rotherham recorded a 2-0 win over Lincoln in November thanks to a brace from Adam Le Fondre , but their form ahead of this reverse fixture has been patchy. Although the Millers have won three of their last five matches they have been defeated by bottom side Darlington twice in the past month.
“They are good up front, with Le Fondre and Tom Pope,” added Sutton.
“When we played them away a couple of months ago we did decently but Le Fondre was the difference. Hopefully we’ll be more watchful of him on Saturday but we need to pose more of an attacking threat.”
Baker and Paul Green remain injury doubts for City ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Sincil Bank where ticket prices have been slashed to £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.