Gary Simpson has warned that this weekend’s opponents, Hyde, “can cause you a massive problem.”
Speaking at the club’s press conference, Simpson made it clear that despite Hyde’s league position, they are not to be taken lightly.
Gary was speaking after Tuesday’s loss to Hereford United, a result which saw Lincoln drop to tenth in the Skrill Premier.
In pragmatic mood, Simpson was keen not to let the defeat to Hereford overshadow his team’s performance. He said, “They’ve had two or three opportunities, we’ve have two or three opportunities.
“We’ve just watched the goal back, it’s gone through somebody’s legs, ricocheted off somebody else, the ball’s going wide and it hits Alan Power on the calf and goes in.”
Simpson pointed out results and performance don’t always go hand in hand, bringing attention to some of the more tricky fixtures Lincoln have impressed in.
“We’ve had Cambridge, Luton and Hereford and to be honest they haven’t been bad performances.”
On team news, it seems a virus is interrupting plans for Saturday’s game at home to Hyde, as well as a smattering of injuries.
“We’ve got one or two with knocks, one or two with this virus. One or two have not turned in today because they’re ill.
“I don’t want to say who’s got viruses and who’s injured because they might have to turn out on Saturday.”
One of those affected by a knock is impressive left-back, Sean Newton, who limped off in Tuesday’s game against Hereford.
“He got a kick, and his calf just froze up solid, but I’m hopeful that he might be OK.”
Gary made it clear that Hyde can threaten Lincoln on Saturday, saying “I’ve watched them twice myself. They’re a team that take chances, they play and they take chances” but Simpson seemed baffled by talk of the play-offs.
“I find it amazing that for the last two seasons this club has done well to stay in this division, and all of a sudden, we’re talking about play-offs. Our first target is 50 points.”
Midfielder Todd Jordan also spoke to us, and similarly made it clear that no team was to be taken lightly in this division. He said, “There’s no poor teams, anyone can beat anyone in this league,” and on Lincoln’s successive defeats on the road, Jordan remained calm.
“We know we’ll bounce back from it. If we’d have got a draw, everything would have looked a lot better.
“The lads know that, with two tough away games, it’s going to happen during a season.”
On his own personal progress, Todd was focused on taking his chance whenever it may present itself, “You know your chance will come.”
He continued, “There’s competition for places. I think I’m more than capable of competing with what’s around me.
“My target has got to be to get as many starts as I can, and to put some good performances in when I get in there.
“Each 90 minutes I get I feel stronger and stronger.”
Lincoln’s next game is against Hyde at home, on Saturday September 28th.