TOWN keeper Ian Gray and his defence will face their toughest test of the season at Lincoln on Saturday.
That's the view of manager Peter Jackson, who was today working on his best options to replace suspended striker Jon Stead in the Sincil Bank clash (3.00).
Whoever Jackson promotes, the challenge will be the same - an aerial assault by Keith Alexander's side which will threaten Town's chances of extending their winning run to six straight matches.
It's all-ticket for Town fans and they are going fast - close of business is 5pm tomorrow - and Jackson is keen to reward a near 2,000 travelling army with another clean sheet and three points.
"We are going to have to get our tin hats on, battle and defend well because Lincoln will throw the lot at us," said Jackson today.
"Their strength is using their height at free-kicks and corners and we are going to have to be physically strong and meet that challenge head on.
"If we concentrate like we can, then I've no doubt we are up to the task because it's six hours since we conceded a goal at the McAlpine and it would have been seven and a half if Bristol Rovers hadn't scored with the last kick of the match.
"Everyone in the team is living up to their defensive duties - strikers, midfield and wing-backs - but I'm really pleased with the back lads and whoever has come in has done extremely well."
Jackson is hoping David Mirfin (hip) will add to his selection headache come Saturday on a ground where Town last played a League game before the Academy product was born - winning 2-1 with goals from Mark Lillis and Keith Hanvey 21 years ago.
Town go in having conceded just six goals in eight matches and Jackson explained: "It needed a manager to get hold of Ian Gray and show faith in him, and the big guy is now repaying us in exactly the sort of way I predicted.
"Right from Day 1 I've said he's got the potential to be the best in Division III and, while he dropped a clanger at Bury which hurt us, even world-class keepers make mistakes every now and again.
"Ian will earn a lot more points for the team this season than he costs us, there's no doubt about that, and on Saturday, he will probably have to work the hardest he's done all season.
"We've got lads like Efe Sodje and Andy Booth who are tops in the air, though, and Nathan Clarke, who has come back in superbly, so I'm confident."
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