Lincoln City look to bounce back against visiting Charlton Athletic

Mark Kennedy’s Lincoln City will be aiming to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers against Charlton Atheltic following impressive victories over Derby County and Bristol Rovers in recent weeks.

Unbeaten at home, Lincoln will be looking to put on another impressive performance on home soil following their rousing win over promotion hopefuls Derby, which had elevated the home crowd to the levels of noise they had enjoyed during their ill-fated League One promotion campaign in 2021.

Having been afforded extra time on the training pitch due to internationals and national mourning, ‘not a day has been wasted’ by Kennedy as he continues to embed his philosophy and plans moving forwards since taking over as Head Coach in the summer. The former Republic of Ireland international is expecting a stern test as Charlton travel to Sincil Bank.

“I think all around they’ve got very good players. I watched them play personally a few weeks ago and they’ve got a lot of good individuals, particularly at the top end of the pitch.

“They’ve been a little bit unlucky on the run they are on but undoubtedly, they have a team that many would expect to be promoted at the end of the season.”

The Imps have been rocked by the news that key midfielder Ted Bishop will be out of action for the foreseeable future but Kennedy is confident that he has adequate back up including summer signing from Shamrock Rovers, Daniel Mandroiu, who made his Imps debut in last weekend’s defeat.

“Danny is a player who wants it in tight areas – he will have a go at you for not giving him the ball and has got real bravery”

“Danny has got huge belief in himself and I thought his performance when he came on was very encouraging. He will definitely be a problem for the opposition.”

23-year-old Mandroiu has his sights set on becoming an established member of the squad and show what he can do now given the opportunity to play in English football. Speaking to the official club website, Mandroiu is looking forwards to the challenge ahead.

“It was very important to make my first appearance. I came over with an injury and have been on the sidelines for three months. I loved getting back out there to do what I do best.

“I feel fit and the more games I play, the fitter I am going to be. I know what to expect from the division and it is going to be physical and tough. I am ready to go and just delighted to be back.

In other team news, Lincoln will be hoping that Jack Diamond can pick back up on the form that saw him nominated for League One Player of the Month this week following his goals and performances against Derby and Bristol Rovers. Tom Hopper will be missing through injury as well as centre-back Joe Walsh who has just returned to training.

Charlton boss Ben Garner is hoping for an upturn in fortunes for his side following a bleak run that has seen them pick up just one win in eight attempts so far in this campaign. Speaking to the official club website, Garner is optimistic that better times are ahead and is feeling confident that the Addicks can pick up their first away win of the season at Lincoln.

“I think we’ve been really, really unlucky not to pick up an away win so far. This is the next opportunity to do that and we’re chomping at the bit to get going and play.

“This period has certainly brought me closer to the group. Going through a difficult period, if you like, does bring you closer together and I’m seeing the real character of the players and the true person behind it.

“In that way it’s been valuable. It’s not something we wanted to go through but we have and we have to take the positives and take strength from that. It will stand us in good stead moving forwards.”

Charlton will be unable to call upon Chuks Aneke, Aaron Henry, and Diallang Jaiyesimi through injury.

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