Following Tuesday night’s 2-1 win away at Oxford United in League One, I asked the Vital Lincoln City members what three things they learnt from the match.
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Here’s what sedgleyimp said:
1. The plan is coming together. MK has stated that he wants a high-intensity style of game, pressing the opposition and forcing them into the kind of mistakes we were making last season. From the first whistle that was apparent on Tuesday night. Players such as Sorensen and Sanders who were on the fringes last season are flourishing because the type of game they are being asked to play is one they clearly enjoy and have quickly adapted to. It was also very noticeable in the first half, especially that things like throw-ins have been sped up. Often last season the taker would hang onto the ball waiting for a runner. Now the runner is moving before the taker has it in his hand and as such more often than not, possession is kept from those positions.
2. Players are maturing. The second half on Tuesday was something of a barrage yet not only did we see grit and determination from every player to defend the hard-earned lead, but also more of an understanding of what is sometimes needed to see a game out. Defenders were not afraid to just get rid, be that into Row Z or into the opposition corners. You also saw players understand the need to slow the game down, and ensure that if you needed to make a technical foul which resulted in a yellow card then do it. Jordan Wright even reintroduced some Paul Farman time late on to slow down their impetus.
3. We do have strength in depth. I, like many, thought that the loss of Rushworth would have harmed our chances. Wright came in and showed yet again that he is a very capable goalkeeper. Sean Roughan came on and showed he is very much a League 1 defender. Charley Kendall has been learning much working alongside Tom Hopper and led the line well in his short cameo. Garrick has come into the squad and is a skilful workhorse with pace. He is an upgrade on the departed Adelakun. Vernam, Bishop, Maguire remained on the bench yet would have been welcome additions if brought on. We also still have Mandriou waiting in the wings. Overall we are in a really good place with still the best part of a fortnight left in the transfer window. The key to our success may well be hanging onto the likes of Poole and Scully before September arrives.
Oxford United 1-2 Lincoln City:
Three Things We Learnt:https://t.co/uSCKxXeykZ#OUFC #ImpsAsOne #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 19, 2022
