In their last game of the 2009-2010 League Two season Lincoln City take on Macclesfield Town at Sincil Bank. With both teams now safe from relegation, the game will be a chance for both sets of fans to remember former manager of both clubs, Keith Alexander.
Alexander, who passed away on March 3 this year at the age of 53, has already been remembered in a charity match that saw ex-Lincoln players take on an All Star XI side. Yet Saturday will witness both sets of fans at Sincil Bank paying their further respects and tributes before the football season draws to a close for another year.
The Imps, will go into the game tomorrow with the hope of finishing the season on a high in front of home supporters. Only four points currently seperate City from Macclesfield who lie just one place above the Imps. It is expected that the team who lost away to Aldershot last Saturday will remain unchanged tomorrow.
On-loan defender Nathan Baker, is however looking at a late fitness test to determine whether or not he plays. Whilst Adam Watts (leg), Ian Pearce (back) and Paul Green (metatarsal) remain sidelined for the final game of the season. Since Davide Somma joined the Imps back in late February he has quickly become a fans’ favourite, scoring nine goals in 13 appearances.
The South African born Somma has been crucial in Lincoln City’s marginal battle against relegation, which until two weeks ago was very raw. Imps manager Chris Sutton told The Linc shortly after achieving safety, how, if it wasn’t for Somma, Lincoln may have found themselves in serious trouble.
He said: “I think it’s safe to say that without Davide Somma, we probably wouldn’t be in this division next season.”
Somma is set to return to parent club Leeds United in the summer, where he recently penned a new contract adding an extra year to his existing deal at Elland Road. There is no doubt that Somma will be looking to see out his stay at Lincoln with yet another solid performance possibly capped with a goal.
On Thursday Paul Connor saw his fate decided when Sutton decided to release the striker. Connor becomes only the third to see his services not required along with Stefan Oakes and Michael Gordon.
Macclesfield will come to Sincil Bank prematurely in holiday mode and with nothing to play for except a win to celebrate the life of former manager Keith Alexander. The match should prove fitting for a man who was highly respected by both clubs but more importantly it will be a time for fans to reflect on what Keith brought into their lives.
The Linc’s prediction: Imps 1-1 Macclesfield
Gary Simpson has told some Macclesfield players that they won’t be kept on at the end of the season, but a few of them are still going to play. Will be interesting to see if they turn up.