It’s a tough season for some Lincoln City fans – they’ve drawn more games this season than any other in their history, and that run continued this weekend against bottom-side Forest Green Rovers.
Depending on how you look at it, the Imps are either flying, unbeaten in seven, or struggling with just two wins since November 19th. There’s no doubt they’re making progress on last season, becoming harder to beat, but there’s little spark in attack for fans to enjoy. They’ve only scored two or more goals in one of their last 22 League One outing, making it obvious where their current problems are.
On the one occasion they did score two or more in back-to-back matches, Sunderland loanee Jack Diamond was the hero. he netted in their 2-0 win against derby back in September before hitting a hattrick in the 6-3 win at Bristol Rovers. That sparked talk of a possible Mackems recall, as well as earning him a coveted spot in EA Sports video game FIFA 23’s Team of the Week. However, his output since has been moderate – he has two goals and two assists, although both goals have been penalties.
🗞 Match Report: Jack Diamond’s second half penalty was cancelled out by Harvey Rodgers’ late header to deny City the win at the LNER Stadium ⤵️#LINACC | #WeAreImps
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) November 1, 2022
This weekend, as the Imps were held at the New Lawn, Diamond became a focal point for some frustrations. The winger had a stinker; no shots, no crosses, and just a single touch in the penalty area all afternoon. It’s fair to say the excitement over his arrival, and that early form has quickly died down, and some fans seem nonplussed at the thought of him sticking around.
Indeed, some of the more vocal Imps’ fans took to social media to express their unhappiness at his current form, suggesting he should be replaced by Charles Vernam, the summer arrival from Bradford City. Vernam, who came on for 39 minutes of the Forest Green game, did manage a shot on target, and with safety looming for Mark Kennedy’s men, fans are perhaps keen to see one of their own players preferred over a misfiring loanee.
The pick of their comments are below, with some pondering how Diamond gets so much game time.
Send Diamond back to Sunderland, absolutely useless again.
— Jackson V (@RedimpsLCFC) February 25, 2023
Just not getting the goals from open play especially from Jack Diamond or rarely anything headed from anyone at free kicks or corners 😒
— Darrell Noon (@DarrellNoon) February 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/Foxtastic12/status/1629529111222681609
Can u take jack diamond back please jim
— Me, myself and Carlton Palmer . (@ConlonPablo) February 25, 2023
jack diamond is not quality wtf🤣
— shay⚽️ (@ShayPurdy44) February 25, 2023
Big disappointment for me. No end product and does not appear to know when to release the ball to a team mate.
— Steve O'Dare (@SteveODare) February 24, 2023
Totally agree and never like to single a player out half team guilty of it second half 👀.
Vernom has to start Tuesday— Andy Pearson (@AndyPearson68) February 25, 2023
