“We’ve got a plan A, plan B, and plan C.”

After Saturday’s 4-1 win at home against Swindon Town, we asked our members what 3 things they learned. Here are the 3 things that Imp13 came up with!

1. Long ball Lincoln:

Lincoln has had a reputation for being a direct team in recent years and although some supporters may disagree I feel it is a claim with merit. It’s by no means a negative as the best way to make the most of a team containing Matt Rhead is to get the ball into him quickly to then begin playing in the final third. Based on Saturday’s match this statement is no longer correct as there was a real emphasis to get the ball on the deck into our ball-playing midfielders, O’Connor and Frecklington. City regularly used the midfielders as a springboard to play forward, be that either into the charging fullbacks or the lively attacker’s feet. The third goal is a fine example of this with the wonderful link-up play concluding with a well-executed volley by City’s forever overlapping left back Toffolo. With John Akinde up top, it would be foolish to say we won’t be direct at times but City now have players with the composure and the confidence to really mix it up. The longer opposing managers persist with the lazy trope that “they know what to expect” the better as they’ll almost always be surprised by Lincoln’s variety.

2. Shay McCartan:

One cog in the change in style is the loan signing of Shay McCartan. We should have expected quality given the fact he is a Northern Ireland international which is no mean feat given their recent exploits. McCartan has a knack for finding space, seemingly without doing anything at times, and then driving towards the goal much to the fan’s excitement. The pre-season goal against Boston gave a glimpse into what he’s capable of from the edge of the area and Saturday’s match gave no reason not expect more magic moments over the coming season.

3. Strength in depth:

Lincoln were much maligned from some quarters last season for the small squad size and lack of game changers from the bench. During our first home match last season we brought on Jordan Maguire-Drew and Ollie Palmer as we unsuccessfully chased a winner against perennial strugglers Morecambe. Against Swindon, we brought on Matt Green, Tom Pett, and Jason Shackell who all had a tangible effect on the game. Pett played a lovely, lofted through ball for Green to slam home Lincoln’s fourth while Shackell brought a real air of calm at the back emphasising his experience at a higher level. The unused subs included our focal point of years gone by in Matt Rhead, as well as experienced centre-half James Wilson, and local prospect Ellis Chapman. We’ve got a plan A, plan B, and plan C presenting the Cowley brothers with a multitude of options both in terms of formation and substitutions depending upon the state of the game. This strength in depth hasn’t been seen at Sincil Bank for some time and will certainly serve Lincoln well over the season as we look to continue our strong start.

Writer: Imp13

Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!