Words such as “character”, “strength” and “desire” were mentioned by Lincoln manager Gary Simpson to describe his side’s well earned 1-0 win over mid table Southport.
Speaking after the game, which was not marred by the dreary conditions, Simpson said: “It was a game of fight and character today.” It was that desire which showed as Lincoln broke their winless run of six games.
After Power made the Imps’ early pressure count from the spot, Farman made an impressive save at the other end from a Shaun Whalley penalty and, from then on, it was Lincoln’s impressive defensive display which sealed the invaluable three points.
Simpson added: “I watched these on Tuesday. I knew they were big, strong, good from set-plays”. Southport had more than enough corners and free kicks to make that quality tell, but Boyce, Miller and co. were more than equal to Southport’s efforts, maintaining a well-organised back four.
The game went almost without incident after the first half penalties but, on 80 minutes, a tussle on the touchline ensued, and the result was red cards for Vadaine Oliver and Neill Byrne. Speaking about Oliver, Simpson was calm, but reminded Vadaine: “when he comes back, he owes us.”
Simpson refused to get carried away by his first home win, and made clear his and the club’s priority, adding: “The short term is that we’ve got to get enough points to stay in this division.”
The man of the match was Paul Farman again, who showed excellent maturity to maintain a difficult clean sheet. Speaking to Farman about his questioned place in the team, he commented: “It made me hungrier” and issued a statement of intent to the club and potential challengers to his place, adding: “I came here this season to be number one.”
On the game, Farman told The Linc: “That’s what we’ve needed for the past few games… hard work and grit”. He also showed his and the team’s unwavering desire to give 100% for the club and their plight to stay in the league, saying: “If it takes a broken nose or lose a few teeth, we’re going to chuck ourselves in front of the ball”.
An excellent win for Lincoln sees them four points clear of the relegation zone, and their next game on Tuesday against top of the league Wrexham will require the same attitude that was shown against Southport.