Lincoln City interim head coach Tom Shaw was happy with the commitment his side showed in the second-half, as they scored late to rescue a point against Port Vale.
Speaking to LincSport Editor Jamie Johnson, he said: “I think it just shows the consistency of the group. They are pretty much the same every time you work with them, everyday whatever we’re doing.”
He added: “They had to go the distance to get the point, but I was really pleased that they stuck at it.”
Shaw made a number of substitutions in the second-half, and they paid off as Mide Shodipo scored the late equaliser.
Shaw said: “We, as a staff, tried to be really bold and brave and go as aggressive and attacking as we could. I thought they were all excellent.”
Settling for a point:
When asked if his side should’ve won the game, Shaw said: “I think that’s probably my feeling.” Adding that: “I thought we were very good value to win the game in the second-half, but sometimes you can’t be too greedy.”
He said that at the start of the game his team “weren’t as connected as we usually are”.
He went on to say: “It wasn’t a great start, but good sides and good groups of players will pull through that, and everyone has seen how strong we finished in the end.”
Shodipo managed his first goal of the season after returning to the Imps part-way through the campaign. The interim head coach said: “It was a superb goal. The build-up play was great, it felt like we had an extra man at times.”
And added: “The goal was fantastic and I’m delighted for Mide, whose been frustrated in recent weeks.”
Lincoln City club captain Paudie O’Connor was sent-off early in the second-half for an apparent elbow on Uche Ikpeazu.
Shaw had his say on O’Connor’s red card: “I haven’t seen it yet, but there must’ve been something. The fourth-official was nailed on that there was something big enough for there to be a red card off the ball. So, we’ll have a look at that.”
On his time as interim head coach and the future:
Tom Shaw said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s something I’d like to do at some point, for sure, but this has been a brilliant experience. I feel very lucky and fortunate that the club asked me to do it. I think we’ve had a successful period and I thank everyone involved for how success it’s been.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, he said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure, a privilege, to lead this football club for seven games.”
And added: “In the league we’ve got from 16th to 9th, and I’ve talked a little bit about the injuries on the top-line, but to achieve that with this group in difficult circumstances, I’m so proud of the players.”
It’s expected that the Imps’ will announce their new permeant head coach in the next few days, meaning their first game in charge will be a difficult trip to Stevenage on Saturday, November 18th.