The English Football League playoffs continue Thursday night and the pressure is on as Exeter City meet Lincoln City in the second leg of their crucial League Two tie.
The first leg ended 0-0 and that leaves both teams feeling confident of their chances of making Wembley for the playoff final, with promotion to League One awaiting the winners. This second leg will take place at St. James' Park, which is sure to be packed to capacity as the home crowd hope to cheer their team to the final.
Exeter City will be pleased to come into the second leg at home having picked up a 0-0 draw in the away leg of the tie. Trends show they have lost just one of their last eight games and the loss came away from home at Stevenage.
Home form is what Exeter City will be hoping gets them through this tie and they have won four and drawn one of their last five home games. In fact, they have lost just one of their last eleven home matches and have scored two or more goals in four of their last five at St. James' Park.
Exeter City won the regular League Two match between the teams during the regular season 1-0 but that match was at the beginning of the season and a lot has happened since then.
Lincoln City were hoping to take a lead with them for this second leg but it wasn’t to be as they were held to a 0-0 draw. The match was even in the first half but Lincoln City were on top for large periods of the second half but could not force the breakthrough.
The draw means Lincoln City have failed to win any of their last three games and while the 1-0 defeat to champions Accrington Stanley can be excused, they have lost the winning feeling towards the crucial end of the season.
The Imps have won just two of their last seven League Two games and have struggled to pick up wins away from home, winning three of their last ten. However, they have won and drawn their last two away league games and scored at least one goal in four of their last five on the road.
Looking ahead to the team news and Exeter City are hoping to see centre-back Troy Brown back to full fitness but he may have to settle for a place on the bench. Jordan Storey may keep his place in defence following his good performance.
Lincoln City have doubts over Sam Habergham and Lee Frecklington but are confident both players will be fit to take part in the match.
This has the makings of a very close game. Both teams scored the least goals of the top nine during the regular League Two season and we could be in for under 1.5 goals in this match. With their recent home form, it’s Exeter City who must be the favourites to win this game by a narrow margin and progress to the League Two playoff final.