Ahead of the season’s first EFL Trophy match-up at home against Chesterfield, Michael Skubala took stock of the weekend win at Stevenage before discussing the opportunities that the cup competition brings.
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Stevenage: MS knew it was going to be a tough fixture which the team needed to stand up to. The game wasn’t the best spectacle of football but getting the three points on the road was the most important thing which had pleased him. Anticipating a very physical game, MS knew the substitutes would need to come on and impact the clash. They all did well and it was brilliant that they contributed to both taking the lead before seeing the game out.
“All in all a really good squad performance”. MS opined that the game had shown first-hand the ability of depth on the bench to change games.
MS remained philosophical regarding the Paudie O’Connor sending-off. On the one hand, Paudie had been a little aggressive and it was possibly a (second) yellow but he had been fighting all game with Piergianni and he felt the referee could have shown a little bit of calm at that late stage. Leaving that aside MS emphasised the pivotal role PO’C had in the victory, winning virtually every header with first and foremost a skipper’s performance driving the team on, throughout the entirety of the game. MS reflected on the sending-off, “Not a good situation but he was fantastic”.
Start to the Season: MS knew it was going to be a competitive league necessitating picking up points when opportunities presented themselves in order to start well. MS considered the Imps had started solidly whilst pleasingly there was loads of growth to come and the side can still improve.
“For sure this is going to be a long competitive season for everybody involved. We just need to keep concentrating on ourselves, looking after ourselves, and keep moving forward”.
Chesterfield: There was nothing new to report on the injury front. With the next weekend fixture being off due to the international weekend, MS noted that did play some part in selection although some players needed a break and those that were chomping at the bit would need to come in and show what they can do. It is their opportunity to be watched and to do so. As such it will be a side with a few changes, but not for the sake of it. The changes won’t be made to give minutes; it will be done to win the game whilst ‘keeping it fresh’. The balance of the team has to be right.
“I want to win the game, that’s the first and foremost”.
MS put great store not only by the competition in isolation but the first game as well. It is a really good cup competition for the club to go further in, even get to Wembley. The first game needs to be taken seriously as it is important to get off on the right foot – and get an early foothold in the group.
Writer: hulloutpost
Thank you to Chris Vaughan and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!
Skubala: “We just need to keep concentrating on ourselves.”https://t.co/Olpj2U6kOy#WeAreImps #Spireites #EFLTrophy
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 3, 2024
