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ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 13:48 - May 28 with 2840 views
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 20:10 - May 28 with 2805 views
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 20:13 - May 28 with 2804 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 20:10 - May 28 by BringBackTheRedRoom
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 20:44 - May 28 with 2797 views
Matt Scrafton column: Having a foot in both camps for Blackpool-Lincoln City play-off final
When the final whistle blew at the Stadium of Light last weekend, I didnât know whether to laugh or cry.
It now puts me in the somewhat awkward position of covering a play-off final which pits Lincoln City, my hometown club and the team I support, against Blackpool, the side that I have covered and built up a great deal of affection for over the last five years.
When I moved to the North West in 2016 to take up this role at The Gazette, the Imps were still a non-league side.
They hadnât even finished in the top half of the table in a decade.
So the idea that, just five years on, they would be one game away from the Championship â a level of football they havenât played at since 1961 â is something Iâm still struggling to get my head around.
For the majority of my lifetime, Lincoln have floated around the bottom echelons of Englandâs professional pyramid, often playing in front of gates of 2,000 or 3,000.
Unlike most football supporters, I have no recollection of my first visit to Sincil Bank â but it will have been in 1995 or 1996, when I was just five or six years old.
I do remember standing in the Stacey-West Stand â named after the two Imps killed in the Bradford fire tragedy â before it was converted into blue seating.
Why it was blue and not red, Iâve no idea.
I do, however, remember being wowed by the wizardry of Darren Huckerby and Gareth Ainsworth, before having to endure the ugly and somewhat agricultural, albeit effective, football of John Beck.
A couple of years later, I would sign for the clubâs centre of excellence, where I played in the same age group as Sam Clucas.
I was never going to make it, granted, and I was released at 15, but it was still an immense source of pride.
I vaguely recall storming onto the pitch to celebrate Lincolnâs promotion from the old Fourth Division in 1998, as former Pool youngster Lee Thorpe scored during a final-day, 2-1 win over Brighton.
Until 2017, it was the only promotion Lincoln had achieved during my lifetime.
Between 2002 and 2007, now a teenager, I travelled home and away as the Imps somehow managed to conspire to lose in the play-offs in five consecutive seasons.
The losing run remains a competition record and, as play-off records go, itâs the complete opposite of Blackpool, who are chasing a sixth promotion via the play-offs from their ninth campaign.
The turnaround at Sincil Bank in recent years has been remarkable. On Sunday, theyâre going for their third promotion in just five seasons.
Itâs somewhat ironic that in 2011, when my beloved Imps dropped out of the Football League, I wasnât there to witness it as I had moved away to Norwich to study at university.
Instead, I sobbed as I listened to the radio commentary from my bedroom.
In 2017, when the Imps finally returned thanks to the magic of the Cowleys, again, I wasnât there.
Instead, I was covering a promotion of my own, as Gary Bowyer led the Seasiders back to League One at the first attempt, against all the odds amid the backdrop of fan discontent.
It was in April 2017, before Pool claimed a vital 3-0 win against Cheltenham in their bid to finish in the League Two play-offs, that I had to lock myself in the press box toilets at Bloomfield Road to calm down and compose myself. Lincoln had beaten Macclesfield in the early kick-off to win the National League title.
Sunderland, meanwhile, the side that Lincoln beat to reach this weekendâs final, were still in the Premier League at the time.
Not being there to witness promotion was heart-wrenching, as it was a couple of months earlier when little Lincoln shocked Premier League Burnley to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Things like that just donât happen to my team.
To think they could potentially be mixing it up with clubs like Nottingham Forest and Derby County next season â teams on our East Midland doorstep that dwarf Lincoln in size â and playing one level above Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, is frankly insane.
To do so, they must get past the mighty Seasiders â the play-off kings â which is easier said than done.
As I touched upon previously, I have a great deal of affection for the club and have built up friendships with a number of people working at Bloomfield Road over the years.
You donât cover a football club day in, day out, for five years â especially one as unique as Blackpool, who have enjoyed the highest of highs and endured the lowest of lows â and not take them to your heart.
Many have said itâs a win-win situation for me.
Blackpool win and I get to watch the Seasiders in the Championship, a level Iâve never covered before. Lincoln win and my team are promoted.
In all honesty, I donât know how I feel about Sundayâs game. Iâm still struggling to get to grips with it.
Either way, irrespective of what happens, it promises to be emotional.
Iâll be there to do my job as normal, in as professional a manner as possible.
This is the fifth time Iâve covered a game between the two sides, so it isnât as if itâs a new experience.
Albeit, whatâs at stake makes it quite the unique occasion.
What Iâm basically trying to say is that Lincoln are my team. I canât change that and nor would I want to.
I think it would be churlish to suggest otherwise and, quite frankly, the majority of you would see through it.
While Iâm not a huge fan of the idea of having a âsecond teamâ, if I did, Blackpool would certainly be it.
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 23:03 - May 28 with 2774 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 21:39 - May 28 by BringBackTheRedRoom
Matt Scrafton column: Having a foot in both camps for Blackpool-Lincoln City play-off final
When the final whistle blew at the Stadium of Light last weekend, I didnât know whether to laugh or cry.
It now puts me in the somewhat awkward position of covering a play-off final which pits Lincoln City, my hometown club and the team I support, against Blackpool, the side that I have covered and built up a great deal of affection for over the last five years.
When I moved to the North West in 2016 to take up this role at The Gazette, the Imps were still a non-league side.
They hadnât even finished in the top half of the table in a decade.
So the idea that, just five years on, they would be one game away from the Championship â a level of football they havenât played at since 1961 â is something Iâm still struggling to get my head around.
For the majority of my lifetime, Lincoln have floated around the bottom echelons of Englandâs professional pyramid, often playing in front of gates of 2,000 or 3,000.
Unlike most football supporters, I have no recollection of my first visit to Sincil Bank â but it will have been in 1995 or 1996, when I was just five or six years old.
I do remember standing in the Stacey-West Stand â named after the two Imps killed in the Bradford fire tragedy â before it was converted into blue seating.
Why it was blue and not red, Iâve no idea.
I do, however, remember being wowed by the wizardry of Darren Huckerby and Gareth Ainsworth, before having to endure the ugly and somewhat agricultural, albeit effective, football of John Beck.
A couple of years later, I would sign for the clubâs centre of excellence, where I played in the same age group as Sam Clucas.
I was never going to make it, granted, and I was released at 15, but it was still an immense source of pride.
I vaguely recall storming onto the pitch to celebrate Lincolnâs promotion from the old Fourth Division in 1998, as former Pool youngster Lee Thorpe scored during a final-day, 2-1 win over Brighton.
Until 2017, it was the only promotion Lincoln had achieved during my lifetime.
Between 2002 and 2007, now a teenager, I travelled home and away as the Imps somehow managed to conspire to lose in the play-offs in five consecutive seasons.
The losing run remains a competition record and, as play-off records go, itâs the complete opposite of Blackpool, who are chasing a sixth promotion via the play-offs from their ninth campaign.
The turnaround at Sincil Bank in recent years has been remarkable. On Sunday, theyâre going for their third promotion in just five seasons.
Itâs somewhat ironic that in 2011, when my beloved Imps dropped out of the Football League, I wasnât there to witness it as I had moved away to Norwich to study at university.
Instead, I sobbed as I listened to the radio commentary from my bedroom.
In 2017, when the Imps finally returned thanks to the magic of the Cowleys, again, I wasnât there.
Instead, I was covering a promotion of my own, as Gary Bowyer led the Seasiders back to League One at the first attempt, against all the odds amid the backdrop of fan discontent.
It was in April 2017, before Pool claimed a vital 3-0 win against Cheltenham in their bid to finish in the League Two play-offs, that I had to lock myself in the press box toilets at Bloomfield Road to calm down and compose myself. Lincoln had beaten Macclesfield in the early kick-off to win the National League title.
Sunderland, meanwhile, the side that Lincoln beat to reach this weekendâs final, were still in the Premier League at the time.
Not being there to witness promotion was heart-wrenching, as it was a couple of months earlier when little Lincoln shocked Premier League Burnley to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Things like that just donât happen to my team.
To think they could potentially be mixing it up with clubs like Nottingham Forest and Derby County next season â teams on our East Midland doorstep that dwarf Lincoln in size â and playing one level above Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, is frankly insane.
To do so, they must get past the mighty Seasiders â the play-off kings â which is easier said than done.
As I touched upon previously, I have a great deal of affection for the club and have built up friendships with a number of people working at Bloomfield Road over the years.
You donât cover a football club day in, day out, for five years â especially one as unique as Blackpool, who have enjoyed the highest of highs and endured the lowest of lows â and not take them to your heart.
Many have said itâs a win-win situation for me.
Blackpool win and I get to watch the Seasiders in the Championship, a level Iâve never covered before. Lincoln win and my team are promoted.
In all honesty, I donât know how I feel about Sundayâs game. Iâm still struggling to get to grips with it.
Either way, irrespective of what happens, it promises to be emotional.
Iâll be there to do my job as normal, in as professional a manner as possible.
This is the fifth time Iâve covered a game between the two sides, so it isnât as if itâs a new experience.
Albeit, whatâs at stake makes it quite the unique occasion.
What Iâm basically trying to say is that Lincoln are my team. I canât change that and nor would I want to.
I think it would be churlish to suggest otherwise and, quite frankly, the majority of you would see through it.
While Iâm not a huge fan of the idea of having a âsecond teamâ, if I did, Blackpool would certainly be it.
đş "This is my first time in the play-offs. It's exciting for the fans, the neutrals. To be able to go to Wembley & play in the play-off final is nothing but excitement for myself" - #Blackpool's Kenny Dougall
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 28, 2021
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 23:04 - May 28 with 2771 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 23:03 - May 28 by BringBackTheRedRoom
đş "This is my first time in the play-offs. It's exciting for the fans, the neutrals. To be able to go to Wembley & play in the play-off final is nothing but excitement for myself" - #Blackpool's Kenny Dougall
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 28, 2021
đş "To have any fans in the stadium to witness such an occasion is amazing" - #Blackpool captain Chris Maxwell#UTMP fans - send your images of you wearing your tangerine colours for Sunday's play-off final
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 28, 2021
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 03:59 - May 29 with 2767 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 23:04 - May 28 by BringBackTheRedRoom
đş "To have any fans in the stadium to witness such an occasion is amazing" - #Blackpool captain Chris Maxwell#UTMP fans - send your images of you wearing your tangerine colours for Sunday's play-off final
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 10:52 - May 29 with 2728 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 11:09 - May 29 by spell_chekker
I won't be watching the Chumps League tonight.
I watched Man U on Thursday 'cos I was at a loose end, fell asleep durning the game, and woke up to see Villareal brandishing the trophy.
'Pool game is tomorrow Spud.
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 12:42 - May 29 with 2721 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 12:42 - May 29 by spudgun
Ooops, silly me spell!
And I`ve planned my day around it!
Silly me, should have checked!!
Once went to Reading, only to find out the game had been cancelled the day before
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 12:48 - May 29 with 2719 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 12:46 - May 29 by BringBackTheRedRoom
Once went to Reading, only to find out the game had been cancelled the day before
đş "You're always looking to improve the squad. #Blackpool now is a club that wants to move forward and we want to get better on and off the pitch"#Blackpool boss Neil Critchley
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 29, 2021
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 14:45 - May 29 with 2713 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 12:48 - May 29 by BringBackTheRedRoom
đş "You're always looking to improve the squad. #Blackpool now is a club that wants to move forward and we want to get better on and off the pitch"#Blackpool boss Neil Critchley
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 29, 2021
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 03:28 - May 30 with 2648 views
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 14:45 - May 29 by BringBackTheRedRoom
Play-Off Final Preview: Lincoln City
Blackpool face Lincoln City in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final on Sunday, with a place in the Sky Bet Championship on offer for the winner.
Both sides enter the showpiece event on the back of impressive semi-final victories over Oxford United and Sunderland, respectively. The Seasiders dispatched Oxford United 6-3 over two legs, whereas Lincoln defeated Sunderland 3-2 on aggregate.
Coming into the match at Wembley, Neil Critchleyâs men have not lost in six matches, winning five of them and conceding just three goals in the process. Lincoln have won two of their last seven matches.
Team News:
Neil Critchley continue to assess the availability of Dan Ballard, Grant Ward and Sullay Kaikai ahead of Sundayâs match. Lincoln are expected to be without Adam Jackson and James Jones.
Last Time We Met:
The Seasiders picked up a point on the road in a 2-2 draw at the Impact Arena back in April. An Ellis Simms brace put the Pool 2-0 up, before a late second half fightback from Lincoln ensured there was a share of the spoils.
The Key Player: Brennan Johnson
On loan from Nottingham Forest, 19-year-old Brennan Johnson has been the star man for Lincoln this season. The winger has scored 13 goals in all competitions including a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over MK Dons in April and a crucial second goal in the 2-0 win over Sunderland in the play-off semi-final second leg.
Neil Critchley:
âTo lead this football club out at Wembley is a special occasion and one I am looking forward to. The players are so important, so I will direct all my energy and positivity onto them for the match. For the few supporters that are able to travel down and support us, weâll do everything we can to ensure they enjoy their day out, as well as the thousands that Iâm sure will be backing us from back home.â
Watch Match Live:
The Club has sold all their ticket allocation for the match. The game will broadcast live on Sky Sports Football from 2:30pm on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3pm. The game will not be available on iFollow.
Learning to read clusters is not something your eyes do naturally. It takes constant practice.
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 03:28 - May 30 by spell_chekker
Play-Off Final Preview: Lincoln City
Blackpool face Lincoln City in the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final on Sunday, with a place in the Sky Bet Championship on offer for the winner.
Both sides enter the showpiece event on the back of impressive semi-final victories over Oxford United and Sunderland, respectively. The Seasiders dispatched Oxford United 6-3 over two legs, whereas Lincoln defeated Sunderland 3-2 on aggregate.
Coming into the match at Wembley, Neil Critchleyâs men have not lost in six matches, winning five of them and conceding just three goals in the process. Lincoln have won two of their last seven matches.
Team News:
Neil Critchley continue to assess the availability of Dan Ballard, Grant Ward and Sullay Kaikai ahead of Sundayâs match. Lincoln are expected to be without Adam Jackson and James Jones.
Last Time We Met:
The Seasiders picked up a point on the road in a 2-2 draw at the Impact Arena back in April. An Ellis Simms brace put the Pool 2-0 up, before a late second half fightback from Lincoln ensured there was a share of the spoils.
The Key Player: Brennan Johnson
On loan from Nottingham Forest, 19-year-old Brennan Johnson has been the star man for Lincoln this season. The winger has scored 13 goals in all competitions including a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over MK Dons in April and a crucial second goal in the 2-0 win over Sunderland in the play-off semi-final second leg.
Neil Critchley:
âTo lead this football club out at Wembley is a special occasion and one I am looking forward to. The players are so important, so I will direct all my energy and positivity onto them for the match. For the few supporters that are able to travel down and support us, weâll do everything we can to ensure they enjoy their day out, as well as the thousands that Iâm sure will be backing us from back home.â
Watch Match Live:
The Club has sold all their ticket allocation for the match. The game will broadcast live on Sky Sports Football from 2:30pm on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3pm. The game will not be available on iFollow.
There are plenty of Seasiders already milling around on Wembley Way.
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
0
Lincoln Match Thread Play Off Final on 12:10 - May 30 with 2617 views
— BBC Sport Lancashire (@BBCLancsSport) May 30, 2021
ââŹËWhere there is harmony, may we bring discord. Where there is truth, may we bring error. Where there is faith, may we bring doubt. And where there is hope, may we bring despairââŹâ˘
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