Accrington Stanley (h): Three Things The Imps Need To Do To Win Tomorrow

Ahead of tomorrow’s match at home against Accrington Stanley in League One, I asked the Vital Lincoln City members what three things they think The Imps need to do to pick up all three points.

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Here’s what sedgleyimp said:

1. The midfield needs to get their collective act together. We have lost the midfield battle far more often than we have won it this season, and in the majority of games, this is the key area of the pitch. It is the glue between the defence and the attack and in some games, there is a lack of cohesion within it. I note that some have (with some degree of truth) pointed out that the passing of McGrandles is not what is was last season. The reality of his position is that he is frequently the one having to do the job of three players as the rest of the midfield is failing to offer options to him. Those selected in the middle of the park need to have a variety to their games to support the lone striker whilst also finding that little bit of space to influence the games. I appreciate those recently selected in the middle don’t have that bit of football nous which experience affords you, but this area of the pitch is essential to us getting back to winning ways.

2. Speed the game up and look forward. There has been much discussion on a thread of us being very vulnerable to a high press. One way to combat that is to think and move quicker. You often see players ambling into their designated spots to receive the ball whilst it is lovingly placed in the right spot for it to be passed 5 or so yards. Teams worth their salt will see this and counter it. John Coleman is a wily manager and will be aware of this and be ready for it. So we need to speed up this aspect of play so the opposition is not happily in their place to counter it. Plus we need to cut out the infuriating pass back to the goalkeeper from a dead ball situation in the oppositions half.

3. Supporters need to get behind the players. The majority of Lincoln Supporters, myself included, are largely grumpy old gits who need precious little encouragement to have a moan and a dig at the team. I think it is something in the Lincolnshire water which makes us like this. This though will have an adverse affect upon the team’s performance. It is still a young developing team. The reaction of the home support will be important on Saturday. It was mooted that in the Covid restricted season some of the home losses were because the home crowd weren’t there to act as that 12th man sucking the ball into the net. I’m not wholly convinced by that, but am by the reverse of that analogy. Players will be affected by boos and groans from the home crowd and will then be less likely to try something slightly different, something which may just unlock a firm opposing defence. So let’s all get behind the lads on Saturday. Applaud that effort at finding a teammate, even if it just doesn’t quite work out. Be that 12th man (or woman…apologies) again.

Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!

Have a go at our Lincoln City versus Accrington Stanley Quizzes, published last season (they were all correct at the time they were published):

Accrington Stanley (h): Three Things The Imps Need To Do To Win Tomorrow:https://t.co/xJbe28V2gH#ImpsAsOne #ASFC

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) November 26, 2021