Lincoln City manager, David Holdsworth believes his side are confident going into their FA Cup replay with Walsall on Tuesday, November 13th.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Imps manager revealed that his side are in a buoyant mood but added that the team are being realistic at the same time. He said: “I’ll always have respect for our opposition. We must set up and prepare right. Whatever the outcome, they’ll give 100%. They’re showing good signs at the moment.”
He continued: “We were a bit disappointed [about the first match with Walsall] but it wasn’t everlasting. The players are very respectful and are putting in great performances.”
Holdsworth explained that he has “just niggles” ahead of the game, and that new signing, Scott Garner would be cup-tied: “The lads are looking forward to it. I’ll be watching Walsall versus Swindon on the coach probably.”
He admitted that his side can take a lot of confidence from the FA Cup. He explained: “If you can beat a championship or a league side, you’re doing well. I don’t look at the money. It’s about the players.”
Lincoln are unbeaten in eight matches following their victory over Barrow at the weekend. Speaking about the game, he said: “We played a little bit of nice football at times. We also showed a grit about us and our two centre halves were outstanding.
“They came into battle well equipped and we stood up to the challenge. We managed the elements.”
Holdsworth was keen to emphasise how the morale at the club was and praised the current atmosphere: “It’s nice to see players in a good mood and enjoying each other’s company. They’ve come to show what their capable of in recent weeks.”
He continued: “It’s an enjoyable place to be. The players are a healthy young bunch and there is a lot of good togetherness. There’s more to come. Lincoln City Football Club is a well organised club now. If you have a happy club you’ve got a successful club.”
As well as hailing his players, the Imps boss expressed his delight at the fans: “They were right behind the players. It’s fantastic to see them being motivated by a team giving their all.”
Lincoln City face Walsall in the FA Cup first round replay on Tuesday, November 13th.