Lincoln City Interim Head Coach Tom Shaw spoke to the media after the 2-1 FA Cup First Round defeat to Morecambe on Saturday, describing it as a “really disappointing outcome”.
In the first half, Shaw’s side were in control and the interim boss was happy with the opening display. He said: “We started really brightly with the ball, the gameplan in possession was having a huge effect. If we are a bit cleaner in the final third it’s two or three (goals up), to get us off to a brilliant start.”
A Lasse Sorensen goal put the Imps in front before a Michael Mellon equaliser on the stroke of half-time allowed Morecambe to head into the break on level terms.
Shaw was disappointed to concede via a set-piece, he said: “We have given Morecambe the hope by not doing our roles and responsibilities defending a corner, which needs addressing as a group going forward. It’s so disappointing that we gave them the lift they needed.
“It’s frustrating. The process, the planning, and the detail that goes into it, right from the very start of the season, is massive. The people involved try so hard. The players are engaged and give feedback. I sometimes think it’s a body language and belief thing on the set pieces. We went a little bit nice in that situation before half-time. It’s something we need to address. We need to find the right formula to make sure we don’t give any freebies away.”
An early second half goal from Tom Bloxham proved to be enough for the visitors to secure their place in the second round draw.
The Imps lost their clinical edge in front of goal and the game slipped away from their control. Shaw said: “Second half we lost our way a little bit, and it became a proper cup tie feel, where we lost control.”
He added: “Apologies to supporters for no cup run this year. At the start of the game, we looked good value, and bee too much bit disappointed with how the game spun around.”
As City were pushing for an equaliser, there was just no cutting edge to finish the chances that were created. On this Shaw said: “I felt we got a little edgy. The knockback before half-time threw us a little bit. We had moments at the end, one clean connection, it’s a goal and we go to a replay, but we struggled to have the required conviction in the penalty area.”
TJ Eyoma’s return:
Despite the disappointment, there were some positives within the game such as TJ Eyoma’s return to the starting XI for the first time since August.
Speaking to LincSport’s Spencer O’Leary, he said: “It was good for TJ to get a run out. There were some pleasing moments, stuff we tried to do with the ball, to evolve to get our technically best players in their best positions. It rolled out very well in the first half and we were pleased with that.”
“There’s always positives, it will sting and hurt for a little bit, but we just have to bounce back on Monday ready for a game on Tuesday night.” he added.
Shaw also said: “The players showed confidence and belief in what we are trying to do and create. I think there is frustration if we don’t create chances at the end whatever the style. The players stayed calm and, on the whole, got a bit edgy in the second half as we were chasing the game. The players showed a great manner and calmness with the ball.”
Looking ahead:
The Imps are back at home on Tuesday night, as they entertain Notts County in the EFL Trophy.
The interim head coach is already looking ahead. He said: “We will reflect on it with the same process we always have. There will be loads of honesty and feedback in the building to help the players and then we get ready to play a good team on Tuesday night, who will give us a tough game. But we know it’s an important fixture and we will come and do everything right between now and Tuesday night.”