Lincoln face Frecklington decision ahead of Cobblers clash

Posted Thursday, November 08, 2018 by PA

Lincoln boss Danny Cowley must decide whether to give captain Lee Frecklington another run-out in the FA Cup first-round clash with Northampton.

Frecklington returned from injury in last weekend’s victory over Forest Green Rovers but lasted only 59 minutes.

Neal Eardley has missed the last two League Two matches with a calf problem, while Jason Shackell, Michael Bostwick and Michael O’Connor all played with knocks against Forest Green.

O’Connor and James Wilson were both banned for the Checkatrade Trophy clash with Wolves in midweek, but return along with Ellis Chapman, who sat out three league matches following his red card against Cambridge.

Northampton are sweating on the fitness of influential midfielder Matt Crooks.

The 24-year-old was forced off during the first half of last weekend’s victory over Crewe after suffering an ankle injury and missed the midweek Checkatrade Trophy victory over Fulham.

Fellow midfielder Sam Foley serves the third game of a four-match suspension, but John-Joe O’Toole is available having been banned for the Fulham clash.

Ash Taylor, Shay Facey, Leon Barnett, Dean Bowditch and Junior Morias are all closing in on returns from injury, while forward Joe Iaciofano will hope for some more minutes after making his first appearance of the season as a substitute in midweek.