Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala was pleased that his side caused Sky Bet League One leaders Birmingham City some problems in their defeat on Saturday.
City’s boss is looking to take that belief into their next league game, away at Crawley Town on Tuesday night.
He said: “I think we caused them a lot of problems. I don’t think there are many teams that caused them the problems that we do. We can take real belief in that, but there is no doubt about it, they’re a strong outfit. I’m just proud of the performance, but a bit upset for the lads about the result.”
The Blues showed their expected quality in Lincolnshire, dominating the ball for most of proceedings. Two goals from Keshi Anderson and one from Islandic international Willum Willumsson were enough to put Skubala’s side to the sword.
“Tough Game”:
The Imps’ chief said: “We knew it would be a tough game. We pressed them and I thought we caught them really well. They’re a really good team. They’re full international players that really know how to manage a game and control a game, I thought we came out well.”
Lincoln responded well to going behind, with substitutes helping turning the game. The return to the LNER Stadium was one to forget for Reeco Hackett as his penalty was saved by Blues goalkeeper Ryan Allsop.
On the reaction, Skubala said: “[In the] 70th minute we got a penalty, and it changes the game. I thought we had momentum at that point. Moments change game, they’re devastated in there and Reeco has been brilliant. It’s football and sometimes it hurts you.”
Bailey Cadamarteri’s Early Strike:
City took the lead, scoring after just 33 seconds to send the sold out crowd wild, through striker Bailey Cadamateri after Tom Hamer’s long throw. Despite the lead, the Imps just did not have enough to get a result.
Skubala said: “We have got to keep working hard and keep growing. The subs came on and impacted the game brilliantly, Erik Ring and Freddie came in with energy. The one disappointment for me was that we were a bit too soft on the edge of the box for the two goals. We didn’t need to be that passive.
“I thought we could have been more aggressive. That wasn’t us on the edge, we are usually so good in those moments, we just need to go back to the drawing board, get recovered and go again on Tuesday night.
“We will be better when we play them next time at St. Andrews.”
Following the midweek game at Crawley Town, City return to Sincil Bank, where they will entertain Stockport County on Saturday.