When perusing the early League One table, an unfamiliar name appears in the automatic promotion spots.

Very little can be gleaned after just two matches, but Lincoln City currently sit in second place.

We quiz FLW’s Gary Hutchinson about the Imps’ start to the season in this FLW Six Point Opinion...

What results have led them here?

“The Imps seemingly had a tough start to the season; Accrington might not have been the worst start they could have had, but away at Rotherham pitted a Championship side of last season against a League Two team a few months ago.

“Then there was the cup tie as well; they faced Huddersfield away in the EFL Cup. The two teams were at opposite ends of the football spectrum last season.

“Somehow, the Imps have won all three matches. Huddersfield were woeful, but it was a much-changed Lincoln that won by a goal to nil. Both of the league wins came via different methods as well, something that will hearten supporters.”

Why was Rotherham a different win to Accrington?

“The Accrington win was very much ‘new Lincoln’. They’ve added some flair players over the summer; Jack Payne, Jorge Grant and Tyler Walker. With Joe Morrell also in on loan from Bristol City, they’re looking far more comfortable on the ball and it showed against Stanley.

“The trip to Rotherham was different, they had to call on the same fortitude and resilience that won them the League Two title. Rotherham had more shots and more possession, but a goal either side of half time saw the 100% start to the season continue.”

Is it just a continuation of their League Two title win?

“No, not at all. Last season they had a clearly defined game plan and, nine times out of ten, they approached games the same. It meant they looked a little negative at home, purely because their primary job was not to get beat.

“They’re good at not getting beaten and it gave them a platform to build on and win the league. They weren’t the best side with the ball in League Two, but they were far and away the best without it.

“This season is different. Already, they’re proving to be equally as adept in possession as facing it. We’re only three matches in, but they’re every bit as dogged and together as last season, but with the added spice of real talent on the ball.”

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Who have been the key players so far?

“Not one player has struggled so far, it’s been hard to pick a Man of the Match in each of the three matches.

“Jack Payne does stand out though. He’s such a clever footballer, always looking for an unusual pass to unlock a defence. Along with Joe Morrell they’ve added a new dimension to the midfield they perhaps didn’t have last time out.

“Cian Bolger has started well too. He struggled for form after arriving from Fleetwood in January, but the Imps have barely noticed Jason Shackell’s absence through suspension.

“It’ll be interesting to see who gets the nod this weekend against Southend.”

What is up next for the Imps?

“This weekend sees struggling Southend visit Sincil Bank, before an away-day double-header against MK Dons and Doncaster.

“All three games promise to have bumper crowds, Sincil Bank is always full these days and they took 5,000 to Milton Keynes back in April.

“As for Doncaster, it’s a resumption of an age-old rivalry that hasn’t seen much action in recent years. They’re all winnable matches, but none will be straightforward.”

Can they keep this form up?

“Given the way they’re playing, yes. In the short term that is.

“The Imps have a thin squad and injuries will play a huge part in their progression. The Southend game is certainly one they’ll want to win, then to take three points from the next two isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

“The season is long and three good wins mean very little in the scheme of things. The fixtures come thick and fast in the early stages of the campaign too, meaning the squad will be tested.

“If they’re still in the top six come the middle of November, they might be a serious prospect for a top six spot, but for now, it’s too early to tell.”