“Notts County were exactly what I worried we’d end up like.”

Views from Luke Willson following today’s 3-1 win at home against Notts County: “This was interesting to see two sides who were relatively successful last season being direct but deciding to accept its limitations and change their style going into this season, and truth be told, Notts County were exactly what I worried we’d end up like.

Basically going a full circle and having little physicality, little height and not being great in possession to play the way they’ve chosen in any event, or at least far too slow as passing the ball. Not much more pace than last season either.

Bar a couple of minutes after the equaliser, we kept them at arm’s length pretty comfortably.

Freck’s looked an unbelievable hit but it looked that good that at the time you never quite know whether you get caught in the moment or not! Notts goal was a freekick that went all the way in at the back post, but a weak attempted punch by their ‘keeper fell to Andrade who made his finish easier than it looked.

Notts had a warning straight after halftime but didn’t heed it and Anderson ended the game early in the second half.

Notts didn’t look particularly disorganised, just had a weak underbelly that we saw with Swindon a couple of weeks ago. The lack of Stead and then Duffy and Tootle going off probably didn’t help albeit the latter was probably relieved to pick up any injury because he couldn’t get anywhere near Andrade in the time he was on the field.

Hemming was constantly offside, Dennis was Shackell(ed) all game, the lad from Crawley had a bit of something about him but not enough to worry us. No good spending all that money at the top end of the pitch when you’ve got a midfield like that either. It didn’t offer any creativity, pace, physicality or anything.

A nice, solid 7/10 performance from us in what turned out to be a comfortable afternoon. Mentions for Freck, who dominated midfield and Andrade who’ll be giving the two or three players he faced today nightmares tonight.”

More views from the Match Thread:

Huntsward: “Three great goals, all from open play. Andrade had them on toast. It was a poor goal to concede, with it missing everyone and going straight in.

Freck had a good game and bossed the midfield. Anderson looked strong and worked the line well. Probably the most involved Akinde has been despite not having many scoring opportunities.

Nolan may not see the weekend out based on that performance. County were atrocious. We were in complete control and we didn’t really need to get out of second gear.”

Chesterimp: “We bossed that to a ridiculous extent, and a few pieces of the jigsaw seemed to drop into place – Andrade was terrific; Bozzie and Shackell looked a real CB partnership, not strangers; 4-3-3 worked; and – a reflection on County’s attitude – we won the vast majority of headers, even Tom Pett won his share. Much of that says County were poor, but we made them look that way with commitment and skill.”

"Notts County were exactly what I worried we'd end up like.":https://t.co/sDTGshTtNW#ImpsAsOne #Notts #EFL

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 25, 2018

https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/1831092993593604

Lincoln City				Notts County
Frecklington 7', Andrade 33', Anderson 55'				Kellett 19'
Smith				Fitzsimons
Eardley				Tootle			40'
Bostwick				Duffy			27'
Shackell				Hewitt
Toffolo				Brisley
O'Connor			69'	Kellett
Frecklington				Crawford			61'
Pett				Husin
Andrade				Boldewijn
Akinde			76'	Dennis
Anderson			90'	Hemmings
Substitutes
Wharton				Bird			40'
Rhead				Alessandra
Green			76'	Vaughan			61'
Chapman			69'	Oxlade-Chamberlain
Wilson				Hawkridge			27'
Luque			90'	Campbell
Slocombe				Culverwell

Game Statistics
5	Goal attempts	4
4	On Target	2
5	Corners	1
11	Fouls	12
0	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
50	%	50