A Sixth Round clash against Everton or Portsmouth awaits the winners of Sunday's game and the Lady Imps Manager is looking forward to playing at last. However, he expects a tough match from Premier League Rovers.

He said: "It's a big ask for us. Blackburn are used to playing at a higher tempo week in and week out. So we know we're up against it.

"We've never beaten a Premier League team away from home. We've beat several at home - especially at Collingham which was a fortress for us really, but never away.

"But if Leeds United can do what they did in the Cup, then why can't we go to Blackburn and win?

"Because of the weather this will only be our third game since the beginning of December. It's been very frustrating. You can train as much as you like but if you're not playing games you lose your sharpness."

Returning England striker Amanda Barr trained with the Lady Imps this week and is eligible to play. "She'll be in the squad on Sunday," Wilson confirmed, "it's good that she's back.

"This is probably the most difficult team selection we've ever had to make actually with Amanda Barr coming back and a full squad to choose from."

On the prospect of Barr linking up with regular strikers Stacey Aisthorpe and Jodie Michalska in a three-pronged attack, Wilson said: "I haven't decided yet but there is a chance."

Aisthorpe will make her final appearance before undergoing a neck operation.

The Lady Imps boss insisted that total concentration will be key to his side's chances of progression: "If we can concentrate at the back, I know that in the game we will create chances.

"To be fair our ratio of chances to scoring goals has been poor this season compared to other seasons. But if we put our chances away on Sunday we can beat them."

 

Lincoln produced possibly there best performance of the season against a strong Arnold team. Lincoln went in today's game without key players Louise, Jemma and Danielle. It was hoped that after last weeks 2-2 draw the young imps would get back to winning ways. Games against Arnold are always very competitive and a got size crowd had turned up to watch these two heavyweight clubs.

From the start, it was Lincoln who dictated the pace of the game, with the outstanding Leah constantly showing class out wide, and when she had the ball she was a constant menace. A great save from the Arnold keeper, prevented Lincoln from taking the lead. It looked as if Lincoln's strong start was not going to be rewarded. Cassie, Beth and Sophie had all taken control of the midfield and had started to dictate the pace of the game. Lincoln finally took the lead 10 minutes from half time, and what a goal. A great ball from the middle of the park, released Leah, who beat her marker out wide and crossed for Chelsea to volley in from 5 yards.

Lincoln had further chances to add to their slender lead, but not for the first time, Arnold's keeper somehow kept down the score. Two minutes before half time, their second goal came. Leanne broke free of her marker had a shot, keeper saved it, the loose ball ran free to Leanne again, who crossed the ball and Chelsea headed her second goal of the game.