Lincoln City manager David Holdsworth has stressed that his team are “looking forward” to their match with Hereford United on Saturday, February 16th, 2013.
Speaking at a press call, he reflected on recent results, including the 2-1 victory over Dartford and the 2-0 defeat at Stockport. The Imps boss said: “We’ve been solid in both games. I thought the character we showed was fantastic [against Dartford].
“[Stockport] played well for a ten-minute spell. It would have been lovely to go in 1-0 up.”
Holdsworth admitted his side suffered without the suspended Jake Sheridan and also explained how the injuries to Gary Mills and Mo Fofana were hampering the squad: “We’re a defender away from where we’d like to be.”
The manager explained how he hopes players learn quickly from any advice he gives them and praised his young players as “enthusiastic”.
Holdsworth stressed that “constructive words” are best for players, adding: “You can’t keep lambasting players.”
The Imps boss was full of praise for the squad’s fitness levels, comparing them to Premier League standards: “Our maintenance levels are excellent. We can’t do any more in terms of giving them nutrition.”
Striker Bradley Barraclough departed for Gainsborough Trinity this week but Holdsworth explained it was so he could “start playing games”. He continued: “We have to manage our books. He goes with out best wishes.”
Also speaking at the press call was centre-back Scott Garner. The Cambridge loanee admitted it had been a week full of “mixed emotions” and that the Stockport game was “disappointing”.
He said: “I think we’ve played well in most games. It’s only a matter of time until things turn around. The Dartford game was a big win to keep us from the danger zone, but we should be nowhere near it.”
While discussing the trip to Edgar Street, Garner explained: “We need a good start to put a couple of chances away and keep a clean sheet.
“We haven’t played badly [in recent games]. It’s got to start kicking in for us at any time. We’ve got the confidence in the camp to do that.”
He also said that although the team often play twice in a week they can cope: “Saturday/Tuesday things do get mixed up. People get tired but we’ve got a good squad. We can cope with that really well.”
Garner added: “We’re all very fit. We work in the gym every day and train hard. I feel 100% and I’m looking forward to every game at the minute.”
Lincoln City take on Hereford United on Saturday, February 16th, 2013 at the Edgar Street Athletic Ground. Kick-off is at 3pm. The Imps will definitely be without Rob Duffy and Gary Mills going into the game.