Glyn Hodges wants his squad to recapture the attacking play that swept Wimbledon to four successive victories last month.
Our new manager felt that his side’s last performance at Burton lacked the spark that had been in evidence for most of October, but The Dons have a chance to get back to winning ways when Lincoln City visit on Saturday.
It offers an opportunity to earn a fourth successive home win after victories at the Cherry Red Records Stadium against Rochdale, Leyton Orient, and Portsmouth.
Below are quotes from both managers, plus stats, and a look at our opponents Lincoln.
Glyn Hodges
“Burton was probably at the end of a run of games and an emotional time with bits and pieces going on behind the scenes. We went out there and it sort of petered out a little bit. It was an opportunity to get five wins on the bounce, but we didn’t quite get there. We’ve had that break now since our last game, so I’m expecting us to be fully at it and on the front foot on Saturday.
“The fans will be a bit scared of going home early this time after we scored in the 92nd minute in our last home game! Full credit to them because the stadium was still full at that time. Normally people have to leave early, but there were still a lot of people there supporting us until the end and if they can continue doing that hopefully we can give them something to shout about.
“Lincoln have some good players, they are strongly organised, and they know what they are doing. There are no easy games in this league, so we know what to expect from them. Hopefully, we give them one or two things to think about as well.”
Take a look below at Glyn's full interview.
Michael Appleton
“It is a big game. It’s an opportunity to put some clear distance between ourselves and Wimbledon. I’m not going to shy away from that and neither will the players. We realise it’s a good opportunity for us and hopefully we can take it.
“In terms of their set-up and style, I’ve not seen a massive change [since Glyn Hodges replaced Wally Downes]. Sometimes, when a new manager comes in, things might change behind the scenes that gives the players a bit more confidence and impetus.
“They’re possibly pressing a little bit higher up the pitch. We know we’re going to have to start the game well. Recently, they have started games very well and put the opposition under pressure. But there’s been nothing wholesale [in terms of changes].”
A special match for Bayzo
There will be a divide in Bayzo's family this weekend when The Dons take on his hometown club!
"I’ve still got family who live in Lincoln and they are season-ticket holders. They’ll be at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Saturday. It’ll be nice to get one over on the family!
“I was at Lincoln from a very young age. I was in their Centre of Excellence at the time, I was on schoolboy terms with them, but then Lincoln became the first club to drop out of the league. I was at the stage where it was YTS then (Youth Training Scheme) and I got an opportunity to go to Brentford, which was more secure. I left school and left home at 16. I am Lincoln born and bred, but I’ve probably been in London now more than I have in Lincoln!
“After they got promoted and obviously being from Lincoln it’s one I used to enjoy, from when they were in League Two. It’ll be nice to come up against them and get a result.”
Click on the link below to watch Rob Cornell's interview with Bayo, ahead of the match against Lincoln.
Team News
Captain Will Nightingale is still out with a hip injury that’s being assessed by our medical team. Luke O’Neill has returned to training, but Saturday’s game is likely to come too soon for his return. For Lincoln, Lee Frecklington has made good progress after injury, but is unlikely to make the frame for Saturday’s game. Michael Bostwick is still sidelined and Cian Bolger serves the second game of his three-match suspension.
Last time we met
AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Lincoln City (4 November 2017)
A seventh minute goal from Lyle Taylor proved to be just enough to take Wimbledon through into the second round of the Emirates FA Cup. The Dons defended valiantly in the second-half to hold onto the early lead and defy a Lincoln side that reached the quarter-final of the cup a season previously. The match took place in Lincoln’s first campaign back in the league after promotion. Click on the link below to watch the highlights from that match.
A quick look at Lincoln
Lincoln won League Two, on 22 April 2019, after a 0–0 draw against Tranmere Rovers, having been top of the table since 25 August 2018. Promotion from League Two meant a place in the third tier of English football for the Imps for the first time since the 1998-99 campaign.
Brothers Danny and Nicky Cowley left Lincoln in September after a fantastic three-year spell of managerial success, which included lifting the club from the National League to League One. There was also that remarkable run to the last-eight in the Emirates FA Cup in 2017. Current boss Michael Appleton has a wealth of experience in the game, having managed Portsmouth, Blackburn, Blackpool, and Oxford United, where he guided the U’s to promotion from League 2 and to Wembley twice in the EFL Trophy. Following a bright start to the season, Lincoln are currently 17th in League One with five wins, two draws, and eight defeats.
Top scorers
Marcus Forss - 7
Tyler Walker – 7
Tickets
We still have availability on the terraces to watch The Dons take on Lincoln. There are a very limited number of tickets left for the Chemflow End and you can also buy for the RyGas terrace. Please note that this is an all-ticket game and you must buy before 11.00 am on Saturday. See our Match Details article for more.
Match coverage
If you can’t attend the match, you can follow all the action by listening to live audio coverage from commentators Mikey T and Rob Cornell. Visit our iFollow channel to access the service.