I’m a champion of all local football, not just the Imps. I see the passion people carry for the game across the city, whether it is Sunday League, youth football or non-league. A news story has caught my attention today that seems to have slipped by most football fans in the city, one that deserves a mention.
With the excitement of the FA Cup and the obvious coverage that brings the Imps after last season, it is easy to miss the fact Lincoln has a second club. Lincoln United are quietly going about their business, former City chairman Rob Bradley is trying hard to revive their fortunes.
Results haven’t all gone their way this season. I’ve seen more goals in two games at Ashby Avenue than I’ve seen in the last ten games at Sincil Bank. Granted, they haven’t all gone to the Whites, but I’ve had value for money nonetheless.
The last match I attended was the home tie with Leek Town a couple of weeks ago. Rob won’t like me talking about it, but an injury ravaged Lincoln lost 9-0, a record home defeat for them. That loss won’t define them though, they’re resilient and bounced back last week with a win away at Loughborough. They’re currently 13th in the Evo-stick South, within touching distance of the play-offs.
Lincoln United are a forward thinking club with aspirations for the future. They’re planning a purpose-built facility for disabled fans, unique at any level of the game. They’ve also had a surge of new season ticket holders this week, thanks to the club’s generosity.
Rob posted the following message on Facebook:
“Lincoln United season ticket numbers rose by 400 this afternoon. Not a sudden Imps-like surge in interest (give us time) but the free season tickets were dropped in at nearby Hartsholme Academy for all the pupils. They are welcome to come to our remaining home games and an accompanying adult pays only half price. Mid-Lincs teams are welcome to play at half-time if they get in touch, and all LUFC youth players have free passes too – ask your manager for details. Just don’t tell any of the youngsters about our last home game.”
Free season tickets for children from a nearby school is a bold move, but one doubtless designed to capitalise on the popularity of football in the city. Rob, Ian Beaumont and all of the team at Lincoln United are doing everything they can to increase their appeal and enticing local youngsters to the game is a great start.
There’s plenty of interest for Imps fans too. If you have a spare weekend why not check out the progress of players such as Connor Robinson or Andrew Toyne, former YTS players at Sincil Bank? Captain Phil Watt was once touted as ‘one to watch’ by FourFourTwo magazine whilst a young player at City. He was missing for the Leek defeat and he’s an absolute rock at the back. They’ve also recently brought back popular midfielder Jack McGovern, a stalwart of the non-league scene and a big favourite at Ashby Avenue, or the Sun-hats Villas Stadium as it is known.
Football is a wonderful game and as Imps fans we’re experiencing the best of it at the moment. However, Lincoln United also offer a welcoming venue and a chance to watch football when City are not playing. Aside from the Leek game I’ve watched them beat Loughborough 5-2 this season, battle hard for a draw with Peterborough Sports and beat Belper Town. The level of football is good, the games competitive and the atmosphere friendly. Even the chips are spot on and great value for money.
Rob and the team deserve recognition for the way they’re trying to increase the Whites appeal for the people of Lincoln. Offering free tickets to kids might not have caught the headlines, but it should have done. Radio Lincolnshire barely even mention their scores on air at present, I appreciate they cover the whole county but one could be forgiven for thinking the Whites play in a local pub league. They’re three leagues lower than the National League, a good run could easily see them progress rapidly.
Amongst other fixtures this season they’re due a visit from last season’s FA vase finalists Cleethorpes Town. Sadly for Imps fans it is on Boxing Day, but it promises to be a cracking clash.
It is high time the hard work and endeavour being shown in the south of the city receives the acclaim it deserves. We might not be looking forward to a Lincoln derby any time soon, but there’s a thriving football club in our midst ready to entertain and excite you whenever City aren’t playing. It would be great if you could do everything you can to support it.
After all if it weren’t for Rob Bradley, they’d probably be the highest-ranked side in Lincoln that you could support.
All very fair comment. As a relative newcomer to this area (2015), but coming from a non-league tradition, I have sampled non-league in Lincoln mostly through the Whites and The Imps last season though I now concentrate on City home and away. I always find Ashby Avenue a friendly place, amongst the crowd and in the canteen whilst the bar is homely and lively. Mr Bradley has brought a new enthusiasm and drive to the club and is obviously forward-thinking and ambitious. So all power to his elbow!