‘Last Christmas, I gave you my heart and the very next day, you gave it away’ - it is the story for many Wanderers fans over the years and particularly this season.

As we settled down for our Doombar deliberations on Sunday, we really did not know what to expect. Would it be the battling Wanderers who lifted our spirits at Wycombe, earning a well-deserved point, nearly getting all three? Or would it be the meek Wanderers who did not turn up against Barnsley and let us all down again?

One thing that has been consistent this season is our support, and another massive crowd descended upon the Toughsheet for this community fixture. By comparison, a Christmas period home match 40 years ago, attracted only 4,700 fans. When they announced the teams, there was a welcome back for Eoin Toal with Will Forrester on the bench. Despite our Boxing Day blues, the crowd was up for it from the start and the Wanderers responded starting on the front foot.

They seemed fired up for this one and there were one or two niggles developing between the players, with John McAtee winding up the opposition. It was no surprise when Aaron Collins put us one up midway through the first half. Lincoln came back into it without threatening Baxter’s goal but as the half-time whistle sounded, Ethan Erhahon argued his way to a second yellow card and was sent off by the referee. With Lincoln down to 10 men, then it was a case of could Bolton boost their poor goal difference. Jay Matete was having his best game for the Wanderers, and he came up with a brace of goals, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick by a coat of paint. It was a comfortable, deserved win.

As we come to the end of 2024, we must reflect on what has been a largely disappointing year. This time last year, we were in the top two with games in hand, looking good for promotion. Then it all fell apart with a poor second half of the season, culminating in the play-off final debacle.

Hope was renewed in the summer with eight signings, none of whom have yet made a real impression. Injuries have played their part, but you have to ask, did we buy a load of crocks? Automatic promotion has gone and time is running out fast on a play-off place.