“It’s been a long graft to get myself to where I am now. It’s been a long road, but I’m very happy to be back.”
Those are the words of Lincoln City defender Lewis Montsma after he made his first league start in more than 18 months, in a comeback win over Stockport County.
The Dutch centre-back has been on the treatment table for an extended period of time, but has now made five appearances this term. On the landmark moment against Stockport County, he said: “I felt like it was coming, playing some games in the cup. I am very happy and proud of myself and the team, today.
“I am very happy with my own performance today, and the team. I think, as a collective we were very strong, and sharp on the ball, as well as off the ball.”
Montsma was asked, by The Linc, how he managed to stay motivated during his long lay-off. He explained: “One, what else am I going to do? And, second, I love football. I know how good I am and I wanted to get back to where I was, and even better. So, it’s a great challenge, and not many have done it.”
An “Important” Three Points for Lincoln City:
Lincoln City suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since the turn of the year, before their win over the visiting Stockport County. Montsma believes it was a crucial victory, as the Imps got back on the winning track.
“It was very important, that’s how you bounce back from the game on Tuesday. As a whole team, even the guys on the bench who came on, [we were] f***ing brilliant. We did very well today.
“How sharp we started today and how confident we were on the ball was a big difference from Tuesday I think. That was what helped us through the first 10, 15 minutes, we set the tone for ourselves.”
City welcome Northampton Town on Tuesday, November 29, as the games continue to come thick and fast.
Montsma said: “Games like this, against a good opponent, gives you some momentum going into Tuesday [against Northampton Town]. That’s how you should bounce back from something like Tuesday.”
Feature Image Credit: Graham Burrell