Ahead of the 2018/19 Sky Bet League Two campaign, mkdons.com takes a look at the teams MK Dons will face next season.
Next up is Lincoln City, who achieved a play-off place in their first season back in the fourth tier of English football.
CLUB
Founded: 1884
Nickname: The Imps
Stadium: Sincil Bank (Capacity 10,120)
Home colours: Red and white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks
Website: www.redimps.co.uk
Twitter: @LincolnCity_FC
Facebook: Lincoln City Football Club
FIRST-TEAM
Manager
The highly-rated Danny Cowley, working alongside his brother Nicky, has been in charge of Lincoln since 2016. He guided them to promotion from the National League in the 2016/17 season while also leading the Imps to the quarter finals of the FA Cup - they became the first non-league club in over a century to reach that stage. His previous clubs include Braintree Town and Concord Rangers.
Key and notable players
Right-back Neal Eardley (pictured below) was named Lincoln’s Player of the Season following their impressive 2017/18 campaign but was closely contested by fellow defender Michael Bostwick.
Striker Matt Green was the Imps’ top scorer last season with 17 goals to his name in all competitions. Forwards Matthew Rhead and Ollie Palmer also contributed in front of goal, with the former one of the leaders in the assist column too.
Last season
Lincoln City impressed in their first season of Sky Bet League Two football since 2011, finishing seventh, thus qualifying for a Play-Off place, while also lifting the Checkatrade Trophy at Wembley Stadium following a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town.
The Lincolnshire club faced Exeter City in the Play-Off semi finals and gave themselves a chance of returning to Wembley after holding the Grecians to a goalless draw at Sincil Bank. However, they were beaten 3-1 at St James Park - the only downside in an otherwise solid season.
Transfers
The Imps went into the offseason with manager Danny Cowley committed to the Club for a further three years. That good news was soon followed with confirmation that Player of the Season Neal Eardley had too extended his stay with the club.
Last week, Lincoln made Bruno Andrade (pictured below playing for QPR) their first summer signing. The winger moves to Sincil Bank from Boreham Wood where he scored 22 goals in 50 appearances during the 2017/18 season.
In terms of outgoings, midfielder Alex Woodyard has joined Peterborough United while both Billy Knott and Cameron Stewart will leave Lincoln this summer. Out-of-contract trio Sean Long, Richard Walton and Elliott Whitehouse have all been offered new deals.
HISTORY WITH THE DONS
Head to head
Dons wins: 4
Last Dons win: 2-1, 4 Apr 2008 (Sincil Bank)
Biggest win: 4-0, 14 Oct 2007 (Stadium MK)
Draws: 2
Last draw: 2-2, 8 Jan 2007 (National Hockey Stadium)
Lincoln City wins: 0
Last Lincoln City win: N/A
Biggest Lincoln City win: N/A
Former Dons
Drewe Broughton, Mustapha Carayol, Luke Howell, Albert Jarrett, Jude Stirling, Adam Watts (pictured below), Craig Westcarr
2018/19 FIXTURES
The fixtures for the 2018/19 Sky Bet League Two campaign will be announced at 9am on Thursday 21st June.
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Watch MK Dons take on Lincoln City at Stadium MK, as well all their other 22 home league matches in 2018/19 by signing up for a Season Ticket!
Adult Season Tickets are priced from £30.55 a month; over-65s from £19.64 a month and the newly-introduced under-25s category from £13.45 a month while under-18s are able to enjoy the full 2018/19 campaign from only £2.73 a month. Price based on one month's payment up front and the remaining cost spread over 10 months - click HERE for full prices!
To sign up, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Click HERE to download the 2018/19 Season Ticket Brochure!
