Lincoln City travel to Crewe tomorrow hoping to end a run of five consecutive defeats which has seen them slip within five points of the relegation zone.
Steve Tilson’s men were thumped 4-0 by Gillingham last Saturday and have failed to win in six games in League Two ahead of the visit to the free-scoring Railwaymen.
The Imps have been shipping goals of late and have slipped to 20th just five points above the relegation zone – and just 15 to play for. Their last victory came over a month ago against Tilson’s former employers Southend in mid-March.
In stark contrast, Dario Gradi’s Alex hit 8 goals in their last home match at Gresty Road against Cheltenham and sit comfortably in mid-table. The long-serving manager has challenged his side to win their remaining five matches this campaign starting against Lincoln on Saturday.
Crewe are the third-highest home scorers in League Two but suffered a setback in their last away game when relegation-threatened Barnet beat them 2-1.
But City’s task on Saturday afternoon becomes even harder with the news that 15-goal striker Ashley Grimes has been ruled out through suspension so Ben Hutchinson and Scott Spencer will challenge for the right to spearhead the attack.
Options are limited for Tilson and loanee Stephen Hunt’s spell at Sincil Bank was cut short this week through injury and the defender has returned to parent club Notts County. Joe Anderson is expected to continue at left-back in Hunt’s absence.
Long-term absentee Clark Keltie is nearing full fitness again after featuring for the reserves and he could make the squad but Delroy Facey is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
The last time these two sides met was in the corresponding fixture in August when Albert Jarrett cancelled out Shaun Miller’s opener for Crewe. Miller has formed a lethal partnership with Clayton Donaldson this season and the pair have bagged 40 goals between them including four in the demolition of the Robins.
Kick off at Gresty Road is at 3pm.