Lincoln United manager Sam Wilkinson hailed his side’s performance against Gresley as one of their best this season.
The Whites comfortably progressed to the next round of the FA Trophy largely
thanks to a clinical spell of three goals in six first half minutes that set them on their way to a 4-2 win.
And Wilkinson was full of praise for the way his side set about stopping Gresley playing.
He said: “The first half was close to being the best we’ve played. We know they (Gresley) like to pass it so we decided to press them all over the pitch, get in their faces and stop them playing.
“There was a spell in the first half where we were really at it, and it was a joy to watch at times. It may be as good as we’ve played. We’ve had another one similar to that but we were more clinical today.
“A little negative is that we’ve conceded two goals again, but they’re individual errors rather than us getting opened up and I’m still happy with how the back four are defending.”
Wilkinson reserved praise for hat-trick hero Jordan Hemptenstall, who has now taken his tally to seven goals in a little over three games since returning to the fold.
“He’s been outstanding since he’s come back into the team. He’s been patient and waited for his opportunities because Jack McGovern, Gary King and Sam Mullarkey kept him out of the team.
“He’s just added something extra to us. He occupies the two centre halves so well and his first goal was a touch of class.”
Despite their exploits in cup competitions this season, Wilkinson admits his side’s league form is a concern and wants United to take their cup successes into the league games.
“It (a cup run) is great for the club financially and winning breeds confidence regardless of whether it’s league or cup.
“We need to sort our league form out, we know that, but hopefully we can have another good run in this competition as well.”