Match Preview

The Fenmen renew rivalries with Lincoln United when they travel to Ashby Avenue for a UCL Premier Division North fixture on Saturday.
Lincoln, who were relegated from the Northern Premier League at the end of last season, are ninth in the UCL but have played only seven matches following an excellent run in the FA Cup which ended in defeat against higher-ranked Worksop Town..
They won five of their first six league games but lost 2-1 at Eastwood Community last Saturday. Lincoln, nicknamed The Whites, have also progressed to the next round of the FA Vase with a penalty shootout win over Newark Town.
The Fenmen’s last visit to Ashby Avenue, in the Northern Premier League, resulted in a 4-1 defeat. The only highlight for Wisbech was a stunning long-range strike by Dylan Edge.
The Whites were one point from safety at the end of last season but then lost the relegation play-off match 2-1 to Avro FC.
Manager Chris Funnell was appointed at the end of the 2022 season having taken charge as interim boss for the final games and helping them avoid relegation from the NLP East Division. Funnell, who had previously played for the club, has also managed the club’s women’s first team to a promotion and cup win.

Club History
Lincoln United began life as Lincoln Amateurs in 1938 and were admitted to the Lincoln League. They turned professional in 1951 and changed their name to Lincoln United.
It was in the Lincolnshire League that they won their first honours, the championship and Lincolnshire Senior "B" Cup in the 1963/4 season. Three years later they joined the Yorkshire League and completed a league and cup double in 1970/71.
A variety of leagues followed including being among the founder members of both the Northern Counties East League and the Central Midlands League.
During the 1987/88 season neighbours Lincoln City gave experienced striker Tony Simmons a free transfer and he joined Lincoln United. Simmons' goals were the catalyst for the success of the next seven years, including three promotions in four years.
In 1991/2 Lincoln reached the FA Cup first round but lost 7-0 at Huddersfield Town. Promotion followed to the Northern Counties Eastern Division One where they won the title at their first attempt in 1992/3.

Courtesy of Adrian Lynn