It’s not all black and white as Lincoln City take on the Magpies.

There are so many imponderables to consider as City prepare to face Notts County tonight at Sincil Bank and I’m really looking forward to it. Will Paul Farman play? Yes I think so. What about Elliott Whitehouse, maybe a start for Ellis Chapman?

Far from being a reserve game, the Imps squad is in the main players who have a bona fide claim to a first team place and in Notts County we have opponents who have exceeded expectations as opposed to a club just down the road from them (and us) who have spent lots and achieved little so far. It all adds up to an intriguing tie in which City need a draw to be sure of progressing.

The statisticians tell us City also need to avoid getting beaten by more than four goals and they will still be through. I’m quietly confident they can hold out for that.

John Schofield and Tony Lormor will be in the fan zone tonight. You can say what you like about this competition, that sounds like a pretty good night to me.