Lincoln City head coach Mark Kennedy was “incredibly proud of his team”, as they fought hard against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.
The League One side narrowly lost 1-0 to David Moyes’ Premier League outfit, and had a goal disallowed in the first-half.
Post-match, Mark Kennedy said: “I thought it was a really good game of football from both teams. It was very competitive and very tight, ultimately it was fine margins.”
The Imps manager had praise for the opponents too. He said: “I was really impressed with West Ham tonight.”
He added: “I wouldn’t say the best team lost, but I thought we definitely deserved something from the game.”
Lincoln employed a more cautious approach in the opening period of the game, playing cautiously and containing West Ham. Mark said: “If we go toe-to-toe with West Ham and go with a high press, we’re going to get found out. The plan was always to play with a mid-block and really try and hit them on the counter.”
“If I am the head coach of Lincoln City and try and press West Ham straight from the kick-off, I shouldn’t be the head coach.”
City had their chances in the game, from Reeco Hackett’s header that forced a great Lukas Fabianski save to Alex Mitchell’s disallowed tap-in.
Mark said: “I thought the front-three were excellent.” Without Ben House, Tyler Walker, top-scorer Danny Mandroiu and loanee Jake Vale, City’s attacking options are limited. However, Hackett, Alistair Smith and unlikely returnee Hakeeb Adelakun led the line well against the Hammers.
The Imps head coach added: “We’ve got a honest, humble and hard-working group.”
Lincoln City return to League One action on Saturday as they face Cheltenham Town at the LNER Stadium. They will hope that another good performance will bring a win, and three points, instead of defeat.