Following Saturday’s 4-3 defeat away at Plymouth Argyle in League One, I asked the Vital Lincoln City members what three things they learned from the match.
You can discuss what has been said in this article HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Plymouth Argyle Quiz, which can be found just below the first three things. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
Here’s what sedgleyimp said:
1. Liam Bridcutt and Joe Walsh both having injuries at the same time has proved to be a nightmare for us. It is clear where the glue and experience of our great run is. Yes, both were missing chunks of the earlier games but you look at a match like today where we actually played really well after conceding two early goals, and were in a good place to get all three points after the second penalty, you can see that we are lacking in the ability to make those right decisions to see games out. I recall matches earlier in the season where we were ahead by only a goal, but with both Bridcutt and Walsh in the team, there was a sense of calm both on the pitch and amongst us watching. We always looked like retaining that lead. Not so without them both. It is ironic that perhaps two of our least lauded players have shown their true worth simply by being sidelined.
2. There will still be many twists and turns this season. In a slightly more reflective mood, this time last year I was looking towards matches against the likes of Tranmere and Wimbledon thinking that we could not afford to lose them otherwise we could very easily get dragged into a relegation battle come the end of April. We all know how that worked out, but if last season had been played out, who knows whether we would have been fighting for our position in this division on the last game of the season. What is clear this one is that come the Wimbledon game in May, we’ll be in the mix for a top-six spot which was way beyond all of our predictions last August.
3. The early decision to extend the contract of Anthony Scully was fully merited on his performance today. He was the catalyst for getting us back into the game after conceding that second goal and his performance today showed why he should be one of the first names on the team sheet each and every game. Top performance from a top player.
Did you watch the match on Saturday afternoon? Don’t forget to Rate The Players, Vote For Your Man of The Match, Rate The Ref and share your views on our Match Thread!
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Plymouth Argyle Quiz below:
And here’s what NottyImp said:
1. We need to sort the “slow start” problem. It’s a recurrent theme this season and we spend the first 10 -15 minutes chasing shadows and conceding goals. That puts on the back foot and we end up chasing almost every game.
2. Defensively, we look much less assured than previously with an ever-changing back-4 that simply don’t gel. Palmer seems to have lost confidence and looks a shadow of the ‘keeper he was earlier in the season.
3. Sometimes, using a sub because they are a fresh pair of legs is a good strategy even if the player isn’t quite as good as the one they are replacing. It can help to see games out. I am concerned that MA does not often try this.
4. We know that we miss Bridcutt but we have to find some steel in the midfield to help in the early, high-energy phase of games. That could also potentially help with point 1).
Plymouth Argyle 4-3 Lincoln City:
Three Things We Learned:https://t.co/rZ5FsnYMA8#PAFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps pic.twitter.com/Xi4QOGKWAM
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) March 1, 2021
