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“That is a big change to twelve months ago when we became very predictable and one-dimensional.”

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Following last night’s 1-1 draw away at Mansfield Town in Sky Bet League Two, we asked our members what three things they learned from the match.

Here’s what Scotimp said:

1. It is unusual to have teams in League Two capable of changing formation and tactics mid-game, but Lincoln certainly can. That is a big change to twelve months ago when we became very predictable and one-dimensional. Compare the way Lincoln played last night with Mansfield, who were completely out of ideas very early in the second half and resorted to wellying the ball fifty yards down the pitch without it bouncing. Make no mistake about it, Lincoln may not be brilliant every week but they are a very good side for this level.

2. Without playing, Jason Shackell showed last night exactly how good he is. We missed his aerial dominance and distribution, and I doubt whether Mansfield would have scored their goal with him on the pitch. A header from three yards? No way. Hoping against hope that we can keep him for next season.

3. Despite the impact Rowe and O’Hara have made, Matt Gilks could prove the best signing of the January transfer window. His handling was excellent on crosses and his experience was visible. For instance, he cleverly negated Mansfield’s tactic of crowding him out on corners by stepping two yards off his line between them. Ordinary goalkeepers would have been intimidated by that (Farman?) but Gilks took it in his stride. He has conceded just three goals in his six games, and one of those was a freakish deflection. Gives the defence confidence and that makes the team stronger.

And here’s what Jamesimp said:

1. We have the ability to get back at the best of teams. Mansfield started quickly taking an early lead, this knocked us back for what seemed like the whole of the first half. We chased the game from minute 3 and even looked nervy after equalising for a good 5 minutes, then however we pulled ourselves together and put Mansfield under pressure and looked like we could go on and win.

2. The scheduled drinks break are becoming a little obvious now, expect to see referee’s issuing cautions to players leaving the pitch for a chin wag with the coaching staff, its gamesmanship just like time wasting, sooner or later we will be punished. You are not meant to leave the pitch without the referee’s consent.

3. The first half showed we have not cured the problem of 4-4-1-1 turning into a defensive 4-5-1, once again we were too deep and with Akinde being instructed to defend the near post at corners there is no-one there when Anderson or Andrade get away and put a cross in.

Posted by Vital Lincoln City on Tuesday, 19 March 2019

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