Imps News

MA: “You could see the confidence throughout the team once we did that.”

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Michael Appleton was buoyed by recent performances and players returning from injury ahead of the Gillingham clash on Saturday.

Injured Players: Mike Hines has assured MA that Lee Frecklington, Tom Pett and Ben Coker have all come through the midweek game well. They are available for selection going forward but realistically are a month away from match fitness. Ben Coker had been nervous and excited before the game. It has been difficult and BC has needed to be patient as it is difficult doing a lot of training on your own; repeating the same exercises. MA was happy to discover that Ben was available and ready to put in an hour on Tuesday. Although Lee Frecklington ‘hit a brick wall at 55 mins.’ MA was pleased with what he saw of his performance in the first half. In addition to doing build-up play and regular midfield work, LF also demonstrated his ability to get beyond the strikers. Michael Bostwick’s progress has been slower than hoped for but there are another 48hrs before the game with Bossie being a robust experienced character. MA has seen that type of player before and they don’t need much training to be able to play ‘so let’s see’.

Some of the Younger Players: Callum Connolly is somebody that MA predominantly saw play as a fullback before his arrival at Lincoln, the player having a reputation for versatility. Having seen CC close up MA is sure that his best position is in defence whether central or fullback; he is cover for midfield only. Callum can fight it out with the others (defenders) to get the shirt and keep the shirt. Ellis Chapman has a bright future and at some point, he will get a run in the team. In fact ‘if it’s breaking news’ Ellis will play this weekend. MA is delighted with how Ellis has trained and played in midweek; then it’s up to him.

Inclement Weather: MA has been joking about the Lincoln weather since he arrived. In Manchester the rain is regular but it’s only timid, Lincoln has a monsoon. It’s a good sign that in spite of the weather he is enjoying himself and Lincoln so that bodes well. On a serious note, the training pitches are holding up.

Snap Shot: Team performances have been good for a while, Imps have just been getting punished for small mistakes emphasising the importance MA puts on the second goal and killing teams off. That was done versus Rotherham and the confidence was clear to see. Imps are entering a period where they will be playing teams around them in the league so it is important to take the positivity and spirit within the camp into those games and pick up points. The form away from home has been a bit of an issue so that is one area to improve upon starting Saturday.

Gillingham – MA has never had a ‘run in’ with Steve Evans and only sent from the dugout once in his career. It’s not MA style to get involved in all that rubbish as the focus is lost on what ‘you’ and the team are supposed to be doing. MA will respect SE success at this level but other than noting the strengths and weaknesses of Gillingham (they are resolute and Mandron is a handful up front) the focus will be on ‘us’. Imps will be seeking to be competitive early on and to get the first goal.

Writer: hulloutpost

Michael

Posted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire Sport on Thursday, 14 November 2019

Posted by Vital Lincoln City on Thursday, 14 November 2019

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