Ahead of the Sunderland game, Michael Appleton remained calm and measured in spite of further bad injury news.
You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Sunderland Quiz, which can be found just below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
FA Youth Cup: It’s an exciting game versus a well-established club in Watford. It’s a good opportunity for the players to appear at the home stadium and they will be bolstered by the experience of Sean Roughan and Sam Long.
On the victory in the previous round versus a renowned Preston side, “To go to Deepdale and play as well as they did and come through that was good”.
It will still be some way down the line before the fruits of the youth system are felt, as it doesn’t happen overnight and there will be a period of suffering for the changes initially. For example, supplanting the first team style of play into the youth set up requires the fullness of time for that to be developed. Imps probably won’t see individuals coming through until the season after next.
Gillingham: MA preferred to focus on the overall context of the performance. He pointed out that you make your own luck in football and he always tells it how it is. Having reviewed the game again, their defenders had made 7-9 blocks, defending for their lives which ensured the Gillingham keeper hadn’t been worked as hard as he otherwise may have been.
“It’s difficult to say when you’ve lost the game three-nil, but we were outstanding on Tuesday night when you actually, everything up to putting the ball in the goal”.
MA was reassured that if Imps consistently play like they did then the rewards will come as per earlier in the season. He highlighted there had been games previously of a similar nature, that had gone Imps way after perhaps a key save by Alex Palmer, with that maybe masking some issues. Therefore outcomes like Gillingham were very useful for learning.
“It’s a great opportunity when you go through a little bit of a spell that we are at the minute; where you get absolute clarity and you can see really clearly what you need to do to improve and get that result”.
Injury Situation: As much as it was tempting to leave Liam Bridcutt on for longer v. Gillingham it has proven to be a sensible decision to substitute him as he will now be available for the Sunderland match.
There was troubling news about Lewis Montsma and Adam Jackson who are struggling with knocks and have not trained.
“I’m hoping and praying at the same time that they’re ok today and available tomorrow because if not (joked) we might be in a little bit of trouble“.
Both Regan Poole and TJ Eyoma can play CB and if all else fails, Liam Bridcutt has historically played there many times himself.
There was worse news about Tom Hopper’s hamstring tear. The scan revealed he will likely be out for 6 – 8 weeks, so in effect season-ending.
MA mused that whilst it is not helpful to lose players like Tom and Jorge Grant at a crucial stage of the season, it is part and parcel of the game. Staying calm is essential, as is the need for players stepping in to make the most of the opportunity presented to them.
MA addressed speculation about TJ Eyoma’s non-selection recently, putting it down to selection rather than injury. Until recently, TJ had played nearly every minute of every match and had become weary. The numbers backed that up with the length and number of his paced runs dropping off markedly, so he needed to come out (for a rest). Additionally, it is a good thing to evolve the side, with Regan Poole asking different questions of opponents.
Sunderland: MA acknowledged their great form and their threat. In Charlie Wyke they have somebody who is excellent at bringing others into play and Sunderland are particularly dangerous when the ball goes into wide areas. Reflecting on the recent EFL Trophy/Papa John’s match, MA felt that point was borne out. On three occasions Wyke had gotten into dangerous situations and on two of them, the players had defended brilliantly. The third time leading to the equaliser, the defence switched off. Imps cannot afford to do that at any time when the ball goes into wide areas.
“We feel we’ve got the game to win the game, but ultimately we have to defend, and moments in-game have to be a little bit better than they were the other night”.
Following on from Sunderland, it is unlikely the Oxford game will be postponed due to international call ups.
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Sunderland Quiz below:
Michael Appleton: "I'm hoping and praying at the same time that they're ok today and available tomorrow."https://t.co/nAkhpRiYyl#SAFC #HawayTheLads #ImpsAsOne pic.twitter.com/gfqxuKtrum
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) March 19, 2021
