Lincoln City’s assistant head coach Tom Shaw labelled the Imps’ 2-1 win over Northampton Town as “pleasing”.
After going 1-0 down early on, Tom Hamer equalised before a first City goal for Erik Ring secured the three points for Michael Skubala’s side.
“Scruffy” game:
The Imps went 1-0 down early on, when Tarique Fosu netted his deflected effort past George Wickens in net. However, Lincoln’s assistant boss was pleased with how the hosts fought back and managed to earn a win.
He said: “Not as aesthetically pleasing as our previous game, but worth the same amount of points. I’m pleased to come out on the right side of the result, I think we were worthy of that, but there’s some learning lessons we will take forward. It’s always nice to take learning points and a win.
“On Saturday, Stockport sat off us a little bit and gave us a bit more time to think whereas these came after us and it turned into a bit of a scruffy game, but we still want to create within the chaos.”
Super Subs:
Lincoln City’s second goal of the night came through the contribution of three substitutes, with Freddie Draper finding Jovon Makama, who crossed it in to an arriving Erik Ring.
Shaw said: “Substitutes have massively contributed us this season, and it’s the same tonight again.
“We have brilliant options to help us in any part of the game. The mentality of the lads who aren’t getting as many starts as they want has been important, and they’re brilliant. If you were to watch it through the week when they could be disgruntled, you would see the way they conduct themselves is professional.”
Shaw feels that it is a blessing for him and the rest of the management team to know that they have such a confident and strong bench, with all five substitutes being brought on and contributing in their own ways.
He added: “What a feeling for a coaching team to turn around and know there’s lads that will massively contribute no matter what the situation of the game is.
“Our depth in all areas adds to competition through the week and game-to-game as well, it creates a really healthy squad and gives us a chance of overachieving.”
Injuries overshadowing again:
Despite adding another three points to the tally, Lincoln were forced into making a change right on half-time, when Tom Hamer was replaced by Lewis Montsma.
Shaw gave us an update on Hamer, as well as Ethan Erhahon, who missed the match after coming off on Saturday.
“Tom rolled his ankle. I thought he started the game well, and he had a big contribution early doors. He’s a tough kid so you know when he goes down it’s something that’s not quite right, but Lewis came on and did really well after a good performance on Saturday.
“Ethan will miss a little period, we found something on the scan but nothing too heavy, so he’ll come back firing.”
On the flipside, Conor McGrandles was handed 90 minutes in the deeper position, covering for the injured Erhahon. Tom Shaw had nothing but praise for the way he played, too.
He said: “Conor patrolled the midfield really well tonight, filling in the spot for Ethan and he got man of the match tonight. He has a real calmness around him, and I think that helps everyone that plays with him.”
Lincoln City return to action in the Emirates FA Cup on Monday, November 4, at Chesham United.