Michael Appleton: “It was hard not to admire what had gone on beforehand.”

Ahead of the rearranged Fleetwood Town fixture, Michael Appleton reflected on why the Imps have had such good results against the perceived bigger teams, as seen against Charlton Athletic last weekend.

You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum!

Charlton Game: MA had seen grit, determination, and spirit from his side. Most pleasing was that the Imps had managed to see the game out successfully, whereas several times this season they had been pegged back or even lost the game from similar situations. The nature of the performance earlier in the game, to get into that winning position should not be overlooked either.

‘It was hard not to admire what had gone on beforehand’.

Big Game Performances: MA has a theory as to why his teams have noticeably done so well against the so-called bigger clubs in League One. When they play Lincoln the expectation from opposing fans puts the onus on those sides to attack and take the game on.

“The issue we have had this year is we’ve not been able to break down teams that have gone with the low block and got loads of players behind the ball; made it difficult for us to play through them”.

MA made the point that it should be borne in mind how hard it is to play against sides with a very defensive mindset – even sides like Manchester City struggle with that sometimes. In a way it’s a sign of respect that opponents recognise what a good footballing side the Imps present, but it doesn’t detract from how hard it can make the task.

Injury Situation: Liam Bridcutt probably won’t be able to start another game so soon. Knowing Liam, MA is sure the player will be desperate to appear but as manager, he has to give due regard to a number of other upcoming big games.

Two or three players from Saturday are 50/50 having taken knocks. Fortunately, they have another 24 hours of monitoring available, with the evening kick-off also helping in their recovery process.

Jordan Wright Impact: MA was asked what he thought of how JW has done since being pressed into action.

“I suppose me not bringing in an emergency goalkeeper pretty much answers that question, to be honest with you. I’ve been delighted with him”

MA commented how his teammates have real confidence in him. He is a big unit, has distributed the ball excellently and made some big saves along the way. It isn’t a massive surprise to MA who has seen him train and realises how small Jordan makes the goal look. That gives confidence to the player whilst sucking it out of opposing strikers.

Fleetwood Town: The Highbury outfit are completely revamped from the reverse fixture coming at the start of this season. At that time they had a back five, looking to counter-attack with pace up front. There is a new manager now and the side is set up differently in terms of personnel and shape. Fleetwood look to play a little more football now but it is a very poor pitch – one they are used to, so the Imps have to be mindful of that.

Fleetwood have just ended a run of games without a win which they will take a significant boost from. In previous games they have been in winning positions, seemingly in control of games only to draw or lose. The recent victory will markedly address that psychological barrier. Their side contains a number of emerging young players who look set for good careers at L1 or even Championship level. Fleetwood possess a good mix of youth and experience though; as evidenced by Pilkington who was brought on to net the winner on Saturday.

Injuries and suspensions allowing, MA had gone into the week commencing with Charlton, already having a good idea of the sides he intends to put out for the three games. He aims to win all three matches and having started off with the Charlton victory he wants to continue in that vein.

Writer: hulloutpost

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