Jack Moylan scored both goals in a narrow 2-1 win against Burton Albion that put Lincoln City six points clear of third place Bradford City.
The 24-year-old Irishman scored the opener via a beautiful finish in the first half to put City ahead, and another in the second half to restore the lead after a scruffy Burton equaliser.
At full time Moylan said: “I think this time last year we might lose that game.
“We might not get over the line, so it probably shows how much we’ve commanded the last year to stick together and get over the line.
“It doesn’t matter whether it was Burton or Cardiff, it doesn’t matter what team it is, three points is three points”.
That brace adds to an already in-form Moylan, making it his sixth goal contribution in his last seven starts in SkyBet League One for the Imps.
It also makes City unbeaten in their last ten consecutive League games, their previous loss coming against Wycombe Wanderers last November.
“If we can go on and win for the rest of the season, that would be great” said Moylan when asked about the run, “but we know as well that one is probably going to come to an end and we’re going to need to bounce back from it when that happens”.
Queen’s Park Rangers loanee Alfie Lloyd also made his debut on Thursday, as he came on in the 84th minute to help secure the victory. He left hopes running high for the future impact he could have on the team.
“It thought he was brilliant”, exclaimed Moylan. “He got booked, and it delayed the game in the 90th minute for us.
“A lot of people might not notice that but it goes a long way in our dressing room and he’s bought into it straight away so yeah I think we’d be absolutely fine with him”.
The must needed win for Skubala’s side opens the gap between them and third place by a more comfortable six points.
But all eyes will now be on Tuesday, as Lincoln host third in the league Bradford City, in what can be called a promotion showdown between the two sides.
Jack Moylan said: “It will be the biggest game of the season and anybody that tells you otherwise is probably lying.
“Three points would be absolutely massive, so we’re going out to win the game, we’re not going out to just to sit in and be defensive”.
The two impressive teams played out a tight 0-0 draw at the University of Bradford Stadium earlier this season, leaving it all to play for this time round at the LNER Stadium.