Ahead of the second home game this week versus AFC Wimbledon, Michael Appleton reflected on home form and meeting targets.
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Home Games: MA was mindful that the home form last season was probably mid-table level. He felt that the return of supporters had already shown to be having a positive influence.
“We’ve had some really good games at home, even the couple that we’ve lost; where we’ve been competitive and we’ve contributed. I just think, not necessarily that we’ve scored late goals, but some of our second-half performances of late have been really strong and the crowd have played a huge part in that”.
AFC Wimbledon: MA was a little more optimistic about the injury situation than he has been of late with the only senior players out currently being Liam Bridcutt and Tom Hopper. Of the players from the Saturday squad, the one player who remains 50/50 is Regan Poole who picked up a dead leg during the second half against Charlton. MA touched upon a conversation he’d had with Regan whereby he’d been joking with him about how many incredible opportunities the player had missed to score, before finally opening his account. MA sees RP as being quite a goal threat.
Wimbledon are noted by MA as having a commendable spirit.
“They’re a very athletic side, full of energy, youngish side; got an incredible team spirit about them, togetherness”.
The last game against Sheffield Wednesday typified that. After an hour and being two goals down, it would have been easy to think the game had gone for them but they came back to earn a point. That result sums up their spirit. It is incumbent on the Lincoln players to stamp their own authority on the game.
Points Targets: MA does set targets but they are always proportionate and his over arching concern is about consistency.
“Ironically we’re not a million miles away from where we want to be and should be. That might surprise a few people but ultimately we are realistic about what we are this year and what we’re about. If we can overachieve this year then brilliant”.
FA Cup Draw: Bowers and Pitsea are not a team that MA is familiar with but he has already started the research. It’s a fantastic draw, a home game, and presents a real opportunity to progress to the next round. That will only happen if the attitude of the players is right on the day.
Writer: hulloutpost
Michael Appleton: "That might surprise a few people but ultimately we are realistic about what we are this year."https://t.co/uxC4t7mTnD#ImpsAsOne #AFCW #AFCWimbledon
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) October 18, 2021
