Ahead of tomorrow’s match away at Sunderland in the 2nd Leg of the League One Play-Off Semi-Final, I asked the Vital Lincoln City members what three things they think The Imps need to do to win.
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 Sunderland 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 Chesterimp said:
1. Start on the front foot, but sensibly so. Sunderland have a record of starting fast and scoring early. Go deep and too slow early on will invite trouble. Work as a unit in all areas of the pitch, as we’ve done in our best games this season. Press their defence in possession, deny their midfield time and space, prevent their wide players from getting crosses into Wyke. We have the players with skill and pace to exploit turnovers with quick breaks and goal-scoring chances against a slow defence.
2. Concentrate. Don’t concede first. The longer we can keep it 0-0, or if we can nick a goal, then the crowd will get restless and that plays to our advantage.
3. Be brave but be smart. Sunderland bully out of possession, look to draw fouls and cards in possession, and work on the ref constantly. In all honesty, its their primary tactic and they’re a collective nasty piece of work. Don’t get lured into their battles, keep discipline and focus, they will get frustrated and lose their discipline.
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Sunderland Quiz below:
And here’s what Chimpimp said:
1. Score a goal, even better two.
Can you see Sunderland scoring four or five goals to win the match? With the view that if we can get a goal, we will be nearly out of reach, we should be able to take the game to Sunderland for periods and the clock will tick quicker.
2. Don’t set out to just defend the lead. 90 minutes is a long time to do just that for any team… but for a young attacking team, it makes no sense. Much better backing Rogers, Brennan, Scully, Hopper, etc to get a goal or two.
3. We will obviously have periods when we are under pressure and will have to defend well, as we did on Wednesday. The organisation and ability is there to do that when required. If we happen to concede, however, it’s much better to carry on looking for the goal you always knew you probably needed, than hope you can cling on until the final whistle.
Three Things The Imps Need To Do To Beat Sunderland (a):https://t.co/vP6SHly9dy#SAFC #HawayTheLads #ImpsAsOne
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) May 21, 2021
