How can Lincoln call that `football`?

How do you describe ‘football` the Lincoln way to those fortunate enough not to have seen it? The weird thing about Lincoln is that the John Beck style of punt and run football seems to be now so ingrained in the club that nobody can remember how to play any other way. The team is based around an eight foot freak and the only game plan is to hurl the ball into the opposing area from throw ins, free kicks or corners. The kindest thing anybody can ever say about it is that it’s quite effective at times, but it is not as if they are ten points clear at the top. Do they not want any more from life than bad football? So what if they do scrape into the play offs, does the end always justify the means? Peter Beagrie says it was the worst game he had ever played in – and he has played in well over 500 competitive games now. Keith Alexander had a go at Laws when Brian said it was horrible football, but what else do you expect. Alexander is the parent whose fat charmless kid has cheated to win musical chairs at a birthday party. Keith is just proud – end of story.

Following the Imps at Glanford Park we had Macclesfield. Unlike Lincoln I’m sure the Silkmen would play better football if they knew how. But in fluorescent yellow they looked like eleven stewards - and they played like stewards too. I couldn’t really see what happened for their goal and they didn’t show it on Calendar News and Sport (Goals on Sunday was cup tied I assume). Some people blamed Tommy but I couldn’t comment. One aspect of his game I was impressed with on Saturday however was his throw outs, on at least six occasions quick throws to feet gave us useful openings. As for the referee – well you had to be there I think.

In any case we are now up to fourth and the teams around us no longer seem to have as many games in hand, if any. Dare I say it, but even Rushden could be caught if they go into a bad run. But that involves one of football’s most profound philosophical questions – do we want Rushden to lose on Saturday? Of course. Even when they’re playing you know who.

A big welcome to Robert Taylor, he looked handy when he has come on and as his fitness returns he can only improve. Farewell (for now) Cliff Byrne, he put in some fantastic performances and looked the business from day one. You can’t fault him for giving it another go at Sunderland and maybe now Mick McCarthy will give him a run out. If Niall Quinn is part of the set up then he must have a chance - if comments in his autobigraphy are anything to go by. Good luck to him.