Chesterfield 0-0 (December 14th, 1979)

It’s easy to see why winter friendlies didn’t become popular – the Imps lost another one in December 1979. It was another home game, and another where there had been no goals. The game came six days after we’d lost 1-0 against Halifax, but a fortnight before our next fixture would go ahead, a 1-1 draw with York City. The game was arranged as both clubs were out of the FA Cup, and it gave fans a chance to see new signing Trevor Thompson, who had made his debut at Halifax.

Chesterfield were the division above the Imps, managed by future Derby County boss Arthur Cox. Cox and Murphy named strong sides, with Kevin Fox the only non-regular first team player on the Imps side. He was beaten early on, Andy Kowalski lobbing him, but the linesman’s flag went up to the joy of the home supporters among the paltry 409 in the ground.

Heavy rain killed the game, with standing water turning it into a ‘swamp-like morass’ according to Maurice Burton. He believed all was not well with the drainage on the pitch, and prophecised that ‘City will be at risk of more postponements and abandonments’.