Lincoln United manager Chris Funnell (pictured by Ed Mayes Photography) was delighted with the response to their last two defeats, beating AFC Mansfield 6-0 at home on Saturday.
He said: “It’s a really great reaction from a bad week. When you lose two on the bounce it doesn’t feel great in the position that we are in. I’m really pleased with the bounce back. It was a really good performance and we were worthy of the three points.”
The Whites provided a physical threat throughout the game and were stronger than their opponents.
Set pieces proved to be fruitful for Funnell’s side.
He said: “We are a big side. We have got a big team. So set pieces will be a really good opportunity for us to score goals. We scored from two set-pieces. We win a lot of set-pieces because we are on the front foot and attack a lot, we have to make the most of those.
“I’m pleased with the different types of goals. I’m really pleased for Harvey [Graves] with a great finish on his debut, and Ify[Ofoegbu] with two goals, coming back into the side. It shows that when we are at it, we can hurt anyone.”
The United manager was pleased for man of the match Ify Ofoegbu, who scored a brace in a very positive performance.
He said: “It could have been a hat trick for Ify and he will probably be disappointed that it wasn’t. He’s probably notplayed as much as he would have liked to since his move here. I spoke to him Wednesday about him being positive and that is exactly what he was today. I thought he was really positive.”
”His first goal is brilliant for me. His second goal is a different type of goal, he’s run in behind but not from a distance, and he was found by a pinpoint pass from Leo [Priestley], who was superb. It was another really good finish. I’m really pleased for him,” Funnell added.
It’s another clean sheet for The Whites, which helps them close to within a point of the table’s summit, with a game in hand.
He said: “We spoke about the goals that we conceded recently, and the last goal that we conceded where a team has cut us open was probably Congleton at home. I think the goals since then, we have maybe gifted them it through poor play both in and out of possession.”
He added: “There hasn’t been goals where I thought they are cutting us open with good play. I’m really pleased we got another clean sheet and if Steggles wants the assist for the first goal, then that’s fine by me.”
Funnell looked ahead to a busy month, that includes the Isuzu FA Vase trip to Hallam FC next Saturday.
“It’s an exciting month. We have eight games this month, which is like a game every three days which is staggering, considering these lads have jobs, and families and it’s not their full-time position. It’s a big week ahead,” he said.
Funnell added: “Everyone’s eyes turn towards Saturday, but ours don’t. They turn to Heanor on Wednesday night away from home. The result tonight puts us in a nice position if we win on Wednesday which is obviously the objective.”
Feature Image Credit: Ed Mayes Phtography