In-form Lincoln City pose big threat to Shrewsbury Town in Checkatrade Trophy final

Danny Cowley’s side have had a fantastic couple of years, with last term including a run to the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they lost to Arsenal – as well as promotion from the National League.

They are currently sixth in League Two, on a six-game unbeaten run.

Cowley and his brother, Nicky, who serves as assistant, have really caught the eye and some believe they could soon be off to a club higher up in the pyramid.

The Imps have grand ambitions, though, and they could well stay the course in an attempt to win a couple of promotions.

So why are things going so well at Sincil Bank?

Lewis Cox spoke to Mark Whiley, Lincoln City reporter at the Lincolnshire Echo, to get the full low-down on Town’s opponents.

What has been the secret behind Lincoln’s remarkable rise on and off the pitch in recent years?

First of all, chairman Bob Dorrian stuck around during the National League years and put his own money into the club to keep it going.

He brought in South African director, Clive Nates, at the end of 2015 which put the club on a stable financial footing.

Nates was key to bringing the Cowleys in and they have transformed the club on and off the pitch.

Their infectious personalities have galvanised the city – and even the county – behind the club.

The Cowley brothers, like Paul Hurst, have a burgeoning reputation. How are they as management staff and behind the scenes?

Very thorough and very professional. They leave no stone unturned and make a special effort to make the fans feel part of the club. For the media, Danny is a dream to deal with.

How do they like their sides to play/formations?

Interesting one. It’s generally been 4-4-2 but they’ve been playing with a 4-3-3 recently and I suspect they’ll go that way again for this encounter.

Lincoln have a reputation of being a long-ball team, which I think is unfair. They can be direct and are strong and physical, but they’ve also got some good – and very experienced – footballers.

Which players have the potential to hurt Town?

Matt Green – the 16-goal leading scorer, formerly of Birmingham City – is an obvious threat.

He’s been in red-hot form since ending a three-month goal drought in November.

Winger Danny Rowe – on loan from Ipswich – can create something out of nothing, while another winger, Harry Anderson, is a threat, although he’s not been starting recently.

Look out for right-back Neal Eardley, the player of the season far. He’s played in the Premier League and Championship, for Blackpool and Birmingham, and his crossing ability is of that ilk.

The competition seems to have really captured the imagination of Lincoln fans, are you surprised by that?

A section of fans have boycotted it but generally the fans can’t get enough of the team – regardless of the competition they are playing in.

I do think most fans are against the format, but not enough to stay away.

What have Lincoln made of Town’s stunning season?

Very, very impressed. As a similar-sized club, Shrewsbury should be an inspiration to the Imps, who have League One and even Championship ambitions.

I think most Imps fans are really pleased for them.

Clearly the Imps’ season does not rest on Sunday and they’re also looking at promotion?

Of course, promotion is the aim, but this game is still as huge deal as it’s the club’s first ever trip to Wembley.

Crucially, like the cup run last year, their Trophy exploits have not affected their league form, which has been very good since a dreadful 4-1 home defeat to Crewe in February.

I think the club’s got the potential to reach the Championship. They’re set up to progress on and off the pitch.

The club is due to move to a new training ground in the summer (they don’t have one at the moment) and, longer term, they have plans to move to a new stadium.

It’s inevitable that the Cowleys will move on at some point.

Mick McCarthy leaving Ipswich has got some fans worried as it’s close to their family home in Essex – and Cowley was made an early favourite for the job.

But I reckon they’ll stick around for a couple more years at least.

They love the city and are idolised by the fans.

Despite the recent success, they think they can take the club much further – and the foundations are in place off the pitch to do that.

How do you see the final playing out?

I think Lincoln have got a real chance. They’ve beaten lots of higher level clubs over the last couple of years.

I think Shrews might just nick a very good game 2-1. How Shrews handle Lincoln’s set-pieces will be crucial.

Are any players set to miss out as they are cup-tied or injured?

Quite a few are cup-tied – centre-backs James Wilson and Scott Wharton and wingers Tom Pett and Jordan Williams. No injuries as far as I’m aware.