An overlooked training session on Christmas Day may have effected the scoreline at the Causeway as Wycombe suffered a 1-0 reverse against Southend United the following day. Tony Adams side had already beaten the Shrimpers 2-1 early in September. Meanwhile, the Blues enjoyed home and away wins against Lincoln City, a 1-0 win at Sincil Bank just before Christmas, and more recently a 3-2 win at home in the first week of March.
However, by the law of play-off averages Lincoln should beat Southend in Cardiff and gain promotion to League One.
In the previous two seasons Keith Alexander’s side have missed out on reaching the final and lost in the final. After their 2-1 aggregate win against Macclesfield Town, Imps fans will be hoping its third time lucky and prove wrong all the critics who question their style of play.
"The boys have been absolutely magnificent and have worked very hard to get here. They have rallied round and regrouped this season. The players have just kept their heads and kept going," said Alexander.
"We get criticised for being a long-ball and set-piece team but we don’t score that many from set-pieces. But, If you have some big 'uns in the team, as we do, it makes sense to use them. When McAuley attacked the ball very well I felt it was a good goal - he’s a central defender but he's got one or two goals for us. He's playing at wing-back, doing a really good job for us. Everyone's talking about individual players but it was a team effort today. Everything we did came off," he added.
Southend do have a great opportunity to put right their LDV Vans Trophy final disappointment by replacing the side that beat them, Wrexham in League One next season.
Last Saturday at half time in the second leg at Roots Hall, the tie was locked at 0-0 as it had been against Wrexham before Brian Tilson‘s side conceded goals twice in extra-time.
On this occasion a penalty converted by Freddy Eastwood four minutes into the second half provided the difference as Southend who finished six points and with better goal difference than Northampton Town managed to progress to their second final of the season.
"When the ref pointed to the spot the pressure was really on me. Obviously, I felt a little nervous but fortunately their goalkeeper moved a little early and I was able to pick my spot.
"It was a great feeling to see the ball in the back of the net and now I am hoping that we can finish our season in style at The Millennium Stadium next week," said Eastwood.
Lincoln v Southend, Millennium Stadium Cardiff, Saturday 28th May 3pm