Suddenly, the much-maligned Papa John’s Trophy takes on extra significance for Carlisle United.
Largely ignored by the fans, tonight’s home tie at Brunton Park presents Keith Millen’s men with the opportunity for back to back wins.
After Saturday’s so crucial 1-0 League Two win over Walsall, Millen will want to continue the feel-good factor.
He’s managed that before in his brief tenure with a trophy win at Morecambe, followed by an FA Cup victory over Horsham.
Now would be an appropriate time to do it again, given how much of a lift Tristan Abrahams late winner against Walsall appeared to give everyone – players, fans and management.
Millen has an FA Cup tie at home to Shrewsbury to weigh up, too. Does he stick or twist?
Keep as near as possible to the side which beat Walsall to try and build a run, even though the competition is the least of their concerns. Or does he give players a break, and others a chance, ahead of much more serious contests ahead?
Lincoln finished second to Sunderland in Northern Group F, with two wins and one defeat, but they were the top scorers in their round-robin of three with seven goals.
Their defeat came in October when Sunderland a 2-1 victory at Sincil Bank, but victories over Bradford City and Manchester United U21s sealed their progression.
They were beaten semi-finalists last season to eventual competition winners Sunderland.
Lincoln have drawn two, won one and lost two of their last five league outings currently lying 18th in the table but only four points above the drop zone.
On Saturday they lost 1-0 at home to Accrington Stanley and that was the third game in a row they had failed to score.
It’s just a bit different so far this season for manager Michael Appleton who guided them to the League One play-off final last season, which ended in a 2-1 defeat against Blackpool.
