Former manager John Beck had his fair share of detractors during his reign at Lincoln City, but the Red Imps will be grateful for one astute rescue act.

It was the maligned Beck who, after one sight of forward Lee Thorpe, offered the Wolverhampton-born youngster a contract. Not only did that prevent the likely drift out of the professional game for the player, but ensured a new goal source for the Sincil Bank club.

Indeed, in his first full season it was Thorpe's goals that propelled the Lincoln City promotion drive from the basement back to Division Two last May.

Now, as the club battle against anorexic finances and dwindling crowds, it is Thorpe's happy knack that will go a long way to keeping alive Lincoln's new status.

The 22-year-old Thorpe's first Football League port of call was Blackpool, whom he joined as a trainee six seasons ago.

He tasted senior League action with one game apiece in his first three seasons before then enjoying nine outings during the 1996-97 term with the Bloomfield Road club. But at season's end he was cut loose and from the Tangerines and the future looked bleak.

Enter Beck. He agreed to give the then 20-year-old forward a trial outing against Nottingham Forest on the eve of the start of last season.

So impressive was the youngster that terms were offered immediately rescuing him from the likelihood of a fall out of the professional arena.

His early days as a Red Imp senior were not exactly glowing. He slotted into the right-wing role of the lauded Gareth Ainsworth, who had moved to Port Vale in a £350,000 deal.

Ainsworth enjoyed semi-deity status in the red and white striped shirt, so was a tough act to follow.

But gradually Thorpe's pace and persistence paid off. His ability to win the fans over was also clinched with the 14 goals he bagged in 44 League games from the wing to finish top scorer in a team that finished strongly to seal promotion in third place behind champions Notts County and surprise package Macclesfield.

After missing the first few weeks of the season with an hernia operation Thorpe returned to action and quickly moved across to the more central striking role which he prefers.

He revelled in the switch with two goals in the recent 3-2 triumph at Notts County, which ended Lincoln's depressing run of six successive defeats.

Thorpe's one flaw is being prone to attacks of red mist. Besides being cautioned eight times last term, he was sent off earlier this season against Wrexham.

But now available again after suspension, Thorpe will be hoping to show the Minstermen his cards tomorrow.

Match points

City v Lincoln City

Nationwide League, Div 2 (at Bootham Crescent, tomorrow 3pm)

The Red Imps have made 31 previous League visits winning six times and drawing nine.

Going back to 1950 they have only won once at Bootham Crescent in 20 trips. That was in 1979-80 when they beat City 2-0 in a game which marked John Byrne's debut for the club when he came on as substitute.

City's biggest win in the series was 3-0 in 1964-65 when Norman Wilkinson, Billy Rudd, and Andy Provan were the scorers.

Lincoln's last visit to York was in January 1993 in division three when Paul Stancliffe and Tony Canham scored in a 2-0 City victory.

Players to have represented both clubs include John Hawksby, Tommy Spencer, John Mackin, and Steve Richards. Former City boss John Ward played for Lincoln for several seasons.

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