Rising from the featureless approach of the A46, Lincoln is an under-rated away trip spoilt only by the annoying band with whom away fans now have to share a stand.

There are 46 pubs to enjoy in the splendid City Centre, many of which are dotted along the High St. which itself is easily accessible from the station (about 15 minutes walk to the ground, left and left again at the church).

Unfortunately on my last visit Lincoln seemed to developing a chav infestation so High St. wise I avoided the chain pubs and headed for the more traditional and compact Golden Eagle which is worth a visit with football memorabilia and real ale (Bateman’s), then headed up to the George and Dragon, another more traditional pub which is nearer the football ground end of the High St.

Nearer still is the more spacious City Vaults, but I have to say on my last match-day visit there was a distinct “atmosphere” between the home supporters and the visiting York City fans. Maybe it was some kind of Cathedral rivalry I hadn’t quite grasped, I don’t know.

You can actually have a proper pub crawl heading away from the station up the High St. and then hang a left at Scorer St. to the ground, but this will rob you of the enjoyable saunter along the Sincil Drain, one of the most picturesque approaches to an English football Stadium.

My choice therefore is to take an earlier left turn down Portland St. to the logically named Portland Arms, which is amongst the friendliest and just all round most enjoyable away pubs in the country. Friendly staff, pub games and a fine choice of real ales (Bateman’s again!) can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere, before heading along the Sincil drain/bank to the ground about 5 minutes walk heading away from the City centre. Don’t forget to look over your shoulder for the superb view of the Cathedral.

Nearer the ground still on the corner of Monson St. and Sincil Bank is the Ripon Arms, which isn’t as good as the Portland IMO but still well worth a look for convenience sake.

At the ground there is the usual social club, namely The Centre Spot, which is as ever for this type of establishment friendly but a bit basic, but cheap it isn’t! Situated behind the goal, near the tiny South Park Stand, for those that went last time this is the opposite end to what used to be the away end but is now convenient for the away area of the new stand in which we will be housed.

For those awaiting trains on the way home you can get a pint in the Tudor bar of The Grand Hotel opposite the station, although last time I had to wait until 5.30 for the bar to open. So don’t lose your head if you get there at twenty five past.