Preview: Cheltenham V Lincoln City
The Robins return to the LCI Rail Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Lincoln City visit us for a crucial Sky Bet League Two fixture (kick-off 3pm).
Cheltenham manager Gary Johnson will want his team to return to winning ways after a five-game unbeaten streak was ended with back-to-back defeats to Port Vale and Grimsby Town.
The Imps remain one of the form teams in the division and were in winning form in midweek as they defeated Swindon Town 1-0 thanks to Sean Raggett's goal.
Lincoln are currently ninth in the table – seven points off top spot – while the Robins sit in 16th position.
The Opposition:
Lincoln Manager Danny Cowley has overseen a strong start to the season for the Red Imps, with six wins out of 14 games to find themselves just one point off the play-offs.
And he is full of praise for opposite number Gary Johnson and the work he has done at the Robins.
"We know Gary Johnson very well. He's an excellent and very experienced manager," said Cowley. "For them to get relegated [in 2015] and then bounce straight back shows his ability to bring a new team together.
"They've evolved quite a lot. They were quite direct when they got out of the Conference and even at the beginning of this season they were direct as well. But they've managed to make some very astute loan signings.
"They've got a nice balance and, having been able to get those players in, they've been able to evolve their style. They've had some really good results and prior to Saturday they were the most in-form team in the league."
Team News:
Cheltenham team news: Manager Gary Johnson will wait to see if midfielders Kyle Storer and Harry Pell are fit to feature after the loss to Grimsby. Defender Will Boyle is also a concern after he was forced out of the midweek game in the warm-up. Jaanai Gordon and Jordon Forster remain long-term injury casualties.
Lincoln team news: Michael Bostwick sits this one out due to suspension. Winger Harry Anderson and left-back Sam Habergham (both knee) could be available. Sean Raggett picked up a dead leg during the first half in midweek, but is expected to passed fit.
The man in the middle:
Staffordshire-born referee Christopher Sarginson – who has handed out 39 yellow cards and two red cards in 14 league and cup games this season - will take charge of the league clash at the LCI. He will be assisted by Marvyn Amphlett, Oliver Bickle and fourth official Steven Rushton.
Last time we met:
30/04/16 – Cheltenham 3-1 Lincoln City (NL)
08/08/15 – Lincoln City 1-1 Cheltenham (NL)
25/04/11 – Lincoln City 0-2 Cheltenham (L2)
25/01/11 – Cheltenham 1-2 Lincoln City (L2)
Fans will be able to buy tickets in person from the Ticket Office on Friday until 3pm and online by clicking HERE until Saturday morning at 11am.
On matchday, the Ticket Office will be open for collections from 12noon and limited seating will also be available for fans wishing to pay by card on the day.
All remaining seats will be available for cash purchasers on the night from the turnstiles from 1.30pm.
As always, fans collecting pre-paid tickets are asked to arrive early to avoid any queues and to enable easy access into the stadium.
Cheltenham Town vs Lincoln City on 21 Oct 17