Lincoln City should worry about relegation and not the FA Cup, says Chris Sutton

Chris Sutton has vowed not to let cup fever override the seriousness of Lincoln City's perilous league position as he warned: "Don't forget – we are in a relegation scrap".

The Imps entertain Port Vale at Sincil Bank tonight (7.45pm) in what could be a pivotal evening in the race to avoid the trapdoor to the Blue Square Premier and non-league obscurity.

City are just four points off the drop zone but can take a giant stride towards comfortable territory, especially as Grimsby, who sit second bottom, are without a fixture.

But with an FA Cup third-round tie against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium still dominating conversations in the city, Sutton moved quickly to add a sobering dose of reality, given their League Two position.

And he bludgeoned home just how important a victory is against Micky Adams' fast-improving outfit.

"We are well aware of our position in the table and we are in a relegation scrap, there is no doubt about that," he said.

"And having spoken to Ian Pearce, my assistant, and the coach, Scott Lindsey, after the win against Northwich we accept what a massive game tonight is.

"We've drawn three games at home and won one since I came in and it's time we improve that statistic, but Port Vale are not going to turn up here and just roll over.

"We have to work hard and we have to do more in the final third because, make no mistake, we are looking over our shoulders."

To read more of this story and for a full preview of Lincoln City v Port Vale, buy today's Lincolnshire Echo.