Howell initially joined Lincoln on loan from League One side MK Dons

Lincoln City midfielder Luke Howell feels the fear of relegation from League Two is starting to take its toll on the Imps.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Cheltenham was their seventh in nine games and leaves them two points above the drop zone.

Howell told BBC Lincolnshire: "I don't know if we're afraid to make a mistake or if it's the pressure of relegation. Some players haven't had that before.

"But it seems if we don't get the first goal the less confident we become."

The Imps are two points above 23rd-placed Barnet with two games left, but have an inferior goal difference.

Their final two games are away to Oxford and at home to Aldershot, both mid-table sides with little to play for.

Lincoln were the first team to be relegated from the Football League to the Conference in 1987 but made an immediate return as champions.

Howell, 24, only joined Lincoln on a permanent deal in January after a loan spell.

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