Lincoln City defender Adam Jackson was “delighted” with the performance of the Imps defenders after his brace ensured that his side picked up all three points in a 4-1 win over Mansfield Town on Saturday.
Who Needs A Striker?
Three of the four goals that Michael Skubala’s side scored were from the defensive back five. Adam Jackson picked up his first career brace, and fell centre-back Paudie O’Connor also got his name on the scoresheet.
Speaking post-match to The Linc, Jackson was full of praise for the new-look Imps backline. He said: ‘It’s something we definitely needed to work on as a back five, so we are delighted.
“[Tendayi and George] have both been brilliant. Tendayi [Darikwa] brings a great bit of experience, communication organisation, especially in the second half there, keeping everyone focused and he was excellent. George [Wickens] has made a couple of big saves since he’s been here.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, the defender added: “Even last season, me and Paudie said that we think we should be getting more. I don’t think we had as many chances last season as we have in these first few games. The deliveries have been excellent this year, so long may it continue and hopefully we can get a few more.”
A Flying Start:
A purple patch at the start of the second half killed the contest in City’s favour, as goals from Jackson and striker Ben House gave the Imps a four-goal cushion with over 40 minutes to play.
Jackson was pleased with the start but doesn’t want his side to become complacent. He said: “The start of both halves helped so much. 55 minutes and it was 4-0 showed how much we blew them off the park. If we are being picky, we are annoyed we sat off in the last half an hour and could have put a bit more pressure on but you can’t complain.”
“Tom [Bayliss] and Sean [Roughan] both put great crosses in and it should have been a few more, it could have been six or seven.”
More to Come from Defenders?
Not many City supporters would have predicted that the centre-back pairing of Jackson and Paudie O’Connor would be top of the club’s goal-scoring chart, along with Ben House after three games.
It could have been a first ever hattrick for Jackson as he missed a glorious headed chance from inside the area. The defender was also full of praise for his defensive partner and expressed the great threat the two of them pose.
He said: “The lads are saying I should have had a hattrick and I’m getting a bit of abuse in there.”
“I think that was my first brace as well so I wouldn’t have known what to think, or how to celebrate anyway.”
“Paudie is unbelievable at attacking set-pieces so if we can free him up, he can either put it right in the goal or head it back to one of us and it’s worked quite a few times. He scored a couple at Burton, and he set me up today.”
Feature Image Credit: Graham Burrell