The Imps entertain ambitious Barrow tomorrow looking to cement their place at the top of the National League. Barrow won’t be coming to make up the numbers though and it could be the toughest test at Sincil Bank this season.
Barrow sit in 7th place and come on the back of two defeats this season against Dover and Tranmere. They will be in the hunt for a play off spot and will be looking to confirm those credentials by taking the scalp of the high flying Imps.
Barrow are owned by a Dallas businessman who has pumped a significant amount of money into the side. They’re managed by Paul Cox who is well known to Imps fans.
Cox famously lured Liam Hearn away on loan last season after allegedly ringing him in the Lincoln dressing room just minutes before the Imps played a game. His pursuit of Matt Rhead was well documented and until the Cowleys laid on a charm offensive it looked like he would also leave Sincil Bank. His underhand methods have left him as a pantomime villain and Lincoln fans will relish any opportunity to tell him what they think tomorrow.
The front pairing of Richard Bennett and Byron Harrison are causing defences some problems and at present are keeping former Grimsby man Ross Hannah on the bench. The Barrow squad looks very strong and they’re unbeaten in five.
The Imps are still without midfielder Taylor Miles who is suffering with a broken ankle. Other than that it should be a full strength Imps side to take to the field. There will be interest in Danny Cowley’s team selection after Tuesday night. Will new signing Tom Champion keep his place, or will we see a return to midfield for Bradley Wood?
It also remains to be seen if we opt to start without Matt Rhead against the Bluebirds. It would be an interesting ploy because Paul Cox will doubtlessly have set up to try and contend with The Imps danger man just as Solihull did on Tuesday. It would be interesting to see them adjust quickly once they realised Matt wasn’t starting the game
Barrow will offer a very different challenge from Solihull Moors who frustrated Lincoln on Tuesday night. They’ll come with two up top and look to attack the Imps which could lead to the sort of space and opportunity we relished against Gateshead at the Bank a few weeks ago.
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