Fans can make the difference

READY FOR LINCOLN CUP ASSIGNMENT . . . Athletic's assistant manager Ian Baraclough

LINCOLN City fully believe they can provide an FA Cup giant-killing, says Athletic's man with the inside track on the rejuvenated non-league club.

Former Imps defender and current Athletic assistant boss Ian Baraclough was at Sincil Bank this week to watch Danny Cowley's side move top of the Vanarama National League with a 1-0 home win over Wrexham.

But despite being up against an in-form and free-scoring Lincoln side - they have rattled in 22 goals in their last eight outings and are without defeat in 14 - Baraclough says that Athletic's travelling army can help to tilt the televised second-round clash their side's way on Monday night.

"Away games like this one don't faze us," said Baraclough, who made 91 appearances for Lincoln between 1992 and 1994. "Our travelling fans have been a big part in that. They normally come in big numbers and we normally respond as a team to it as well.

"I know there will be a good atmosphere at Sincil Bank, having been there this week and with the excitement that is building around the Lincoln area about a League One team coming to town.

"They will fancy their chances, without a doubt, from talking to people in the stands and around the ground and also the people who are still there from when I was at the club.

"They are looking forward to this game. If we can match that, add to the atmosphere with our supporters and play the high-tempo game we like to, getting on the ball and being a possession-based team, it could have all the makings of a really good cup tie - hence the TV coverage.

"We have to make sure we are fully prepared for the physical battle and that we are able to go and play our game.

"The manager Danny Cowley has come in and after a resurgence at the back end of last season, he has built on that. He has brought a new ethos into the place and as a former school teacher, along with his brother (assistant manager Nicky) they have taken a science-based look at things.

"The backer who came in during the summer from South Africa (Clive Nates) has helped as well.

"It will be a tough test, but one we are fully prepared for."

Baraclough knows all about how it feels to be on the wrong end of an FA Cup upset. While at Lincoln in 1992, he was part of the side dumped out of the competition with a 2-1 first-round replay defeat at minnows Stafford Rangers.

It's vital, he says, that Athletic's players approach the tie with the right attitude.

"It was a real test at Stafford, mentally and physically, which we ended up losing. It is not a nice feeling," Baraclough added.

"We go to Lincoln as the League One team and the expectation is on us to take the game by the scruff of the neck. But, as cliched as it is, we have to earn the right to play our game.

"It is about mindset. That is something we have been getting across to the players this week. Mentally, we have to be strong to deal with being the favourites and with that expectation to go and win the tie."