Red Imps give Ipswich red faces and I am on my way to Lincoln later this month!

What a replay last night between Lincoln City and Ipswich Town. Very rarely has a 1-0 game been so scintillating and compelling to watch. The BBC coverage was excellent and I enjoyed the old school crowd shots capturing the romance and excitement of the FA Cup. A last minute goal is always a dramatic event and what a goal it was. With Ipswich fluffing their lines with a late free kick where they were trying to win the game, Lincoln got the ball back in their own penalty area and hero Nathan Arnold sprinted forward like a greyhound from the edge of his own box. He was fed a slide rule pass running at full tilt as he sped into the Ipswich half. Springing the offside trap he found himself one on one with the keeper. With a shimmy of his hips he sent the goalie onto his arse, coolly rounded the prostrate custodian and rolled the ball into the empty net. Cue the Gates of Delirium at Sincil Bank!

Arnold in the fast lane. Hero Nathan rounds the keeper

It had been an absorbing contest all night. Ipswich could never really get their silky passing game together because the energetic and diligent Imps players closed them down every time they had the ball. Lincoln were also quite happy to rough up their more illustrious opponents and full back Bradley Wood was particularly pleased to leave his foot in. Even cultured Ipswich Scots international centre back, Christophe Berra, looked uncomfortable on the ball. Up front Lincoln City had a front two that would give any team problems. The overweight and double chinned Matt Rhead was as strong as an ox and bullied defenders. Rhead has a surprisingly delicate touch for a big man.

Matt Rhead: Looks like a Sunday League player - plays like a Premier League player

Rhead’s partner was the on-form Robinson who seemed to enjoy a telepathic understanding with Rhead. Lincoln City may have scored very late on but they fully deserved their victory. They were the better team all night.

A Red Imps letter day! Lincoln City players celebrate a famous victory

This result means that the 13^th stop on the Road to Wembley from Scotland will be in Lincoln. When living in Boston Lincolnshire from 1991-2008 I went to many games at Sincil Bank and it will be great to return there as part of this project. Brighton and Hove Albion will visit Lincoln on Saturday 28^th January and I will be in attendance. It may also be another day out for some of my many friends in Boston to join me on ‘The Road’.

Sincil Bank: Next stop on the Road to Wembley from Scotland

The Red Imps may be playing their football in the Vanarama National League but it is clear from last night that their standard of play is way above that level. They will certainly be promoted back to the Sky Bet League at the end of this season. The Seagulls from Brighton should be wary of this fixture. The Imps have already bedevilled Ipswich and will now be looking for a Championship double.

I am looking forward already to the 4^th round FA Cup tie later this month. Firstly, I must find out what the links are between Lincoln City and Bonny Scotland. Have Lincoln City got a rich Scots heritage? Have the Scots had a significant influence on the development of Lincoln City as a club? All will be revealed when you return here. Keep reading