Josh Griffiths completed his move to Lincoln City on Saturday, joining on a season-long loan move from West Bromwich Albion. The 19-year-old is an impressive pickup after he caught the eye by keeping 23 clean sheets for League Two champions Cheltenham Town last term. 

It was Griffiths' first venture into men's football this time last year, making the transition effortlessly as Michael Duff's men clinched the League Two title. His efforts led to an England U21 call up and the opportunity to learn off of other young gloveman in the form of one time Lincoln City man Josef Bursik and Arsenal transfer target Aaron Ramsdale.

Still so much time to develop for Griffiths at 20, but the step up seems a sensible one. The Imps will be expected to go again in looking to compete for the play-offs in League One, while a realistic aim for The Robins would be to consolidate their third tier status following promotion.

Here, we take a look at ONE winner and ONE loser at Lincoln City from Griffiths' loan switch...

Winner - Joe Walsh

Playing in front of a goalkeeper you trust can have a huge positive impact on the performance on an individual defender and the efficiency of the backline. Not feeling as concerned whenever the opposition let off a shot and building an understanding with the keeper to distribute the ball well in transition can all contribute to better results.

Alex Palmer, who was also on loan from West Bromwich Albion, was excellent for the Imps last season, making 57 appearances in all competitions and keeping 21 clean sheets as Lincoln fell at the final hurdle in their quest for promotion to the Championship.

The continuity his presence instilled in the side enabled the defenders to establish partnerships and post the seventh best defensive record in the division.

Loser - Sam Long

18-year-old backup goalkeeper Sam Long was on the bench 40 times without playing a minute last season and Griffiths' arrival could spell the same fate this time around.

With Alex Palmer, despite being on loan, playing in all the League Cup and EFL Trophy action Long is still yet to make his debut for the Imps.

You would expect Long to potentially be trusted in a cup competition this time around but with the consistency in availability that Griffiths demonstrated at Cheltenham last term, it may be rinse and repeat with the club opting for their first choice goalkeeper in every competition. Age is on Long's side but another season without any exposure to men's football could stunt the development of the inexperienced keeper.