By Jacob Greenwood

Woking welcome high-flying Lincoln City to Kingfield on Saturday in what is likely to be a tough tie for Garry Hill’s side.

Woking’s return to form, following wins against Chester and Tranmere Rovers, was short-lived following a 2-1 defeat against Barrow last weekend.

The Cards did the double over The Imps last season but after a strong start to the campaign, the away side arrive as favourites. We talked to Lincoln City fan, Jack Mulhall, to find out what we can expect from Chris Moyses’ side.

We are now at the halfway stage of the season and Lincoln sit in 4th place. After finishing 15th last season, what has changed at the club to push you into the play-off places?

Ultimately, team spirit. Chris Moyses has done a terrific job in bringing in the ‘right’ individuals to the club. There’s a sense of ‘never say die’ and a belief that nobody is better than us. We look to beat teams rather than “must not lose, whilst playing so defensive you’re going to lose 1-0”

After exiting the FA Cup in the First Round, is the league firmly the priority this season and if so, how far do you think Lincoln can go?

I was hugely disappointed to exit the cup, especially like we did, but absolutely the league remains a priority. Since the horror defeat at Whitehawk, I believe we go in to Saturday’s game unbeaten. In terms of how far we can go? Who knows, every week we are in the top five I believe we can do it that little bit more.

The pessimist in me still feels we might just fall short but the side is certainly capable.

Last time Woking visited Sincil Bank, there were rumours of financial issues and the ground being looked at as an asset. How has this developed and are things looking better off of the pitch?

Things seem to be better on that front, I understand we are close to completing a deal with The Co-Operative bank and whilst Bob Dorrian (chairman) explains it will have a detrimental effect on the club, I always feel Lincoln can’t afford not to budget competitively so it shouldn’t affect the playing budget. The rumours of investment seem ever louder, and I think everyone at the club will be relieved to have the Co-Op monkey off our backs.

Jake Caprice is making a name for himself at Kingfield after moving from Lincoln in the summer. What did you make of Jake during his time at the club?

Mr. Average (hopefully Jake doesn’t read this to fill his ego any more than it is already). Great pace going forward but never seemed to have that final ball, undone too often at the back. I wasn’t disappointed to see him leave.

Matt Rhead has 15 league goals so far this season. Has he been the key player in the squad?

Undoubtedly, the man is a mountain. What can’t Matt Rhead do? At the start of the season, I did score predictions of the entire squad and I believe I had Matt to score five, to be at fifteen already is incredible. We’ve seen clubs put two on him and headers still be won.

By no means are we what I could consider a “direct” side but Matt certainly gives us that option. Off the ball, just as important – appeals for everything! There’s no doubting the insults will be flying his way from the home support on Saturday, and I dare say, he loves it.

Other than Rhead, who else will Woking have to look out for on Saturday?

We’ve signed Nathan Blissett last week (on loan from Bristol Rovers) and I expect him to start on Saturday. The three to watch for me are Bradley Wood (the heartbeat of this squad – expect him to play right back, hugely committed to everything.) Jack Muldoon will also look to better last weekend’s man of the match performance, he seems to be growing in confidence with every game. I’m particularly a big fan of Craig Stanley, cool, calm and professional.

We’re a squad side though, there would be various different players mentioned if you were to ask this to ten different supporters.

Finally, what is your score prediction?

Have we beaten Woking in the Conference?.. I’ll miss this one due to work commitments so it’s inevitable we will win. I think it will be 2-0, one in each half. Possibility of a 2-1, with a Jake Caprice goal from 45 yards.

Picture by David Holmes. A full set can be found at wokingfc.co.uk