Lincoln City head coach Tom Shaw has credited the EFL Championship of being a tough level after suffering a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth in their first home game of the season.
Imps forward Reeco Hackett scored from the spot in the 32nd minute, but it wasn’t enough following goals from Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Abu Kamara and Adrian Segecic that made sure the hosts picked up all three points.
Hackett was the only change made from last week’s 2-1 away defeat to last season’s playoff finalists Middlesborough, with Ryley Towler dropping down to the bench.
Shaw was quick to comment on Hackett’s abilities both on and off the field, he said: “He’s been waiting for his opportunity, probably upset not to start.
“I’d say the best thing about Reeco from recent times has been his out of possession work – been fantastic.
“He’s become a bit of a leader in the group with his personality and character. The level is tough but pleased for Reeco to get his goal.”
Keeping Towler company on the bench at the ProAmpac Stadium were six new signings, three of which made their Lincoln City home debuts with Andrei Coubis, Tanto Olaofe and Mason Melia all entering the field of play in the second half.
Coubis replaced club captain Tendayi Darikwa, who walked down the tunnel with just over 30 minutes of play remaining after receiving treatment for a suspected injury.
One of City’s head coaches was quick to highlight the importance of bringing these players into the team and starting line-up.
Shaw said: “We’ve got a group of lads that got 103 points that we have a lot of faith in.
“The new faces get used to what we demand, what the league demands and what the football club demands, but they’ve been training hard and will get their opportunities.
“The new faces have been excellent and pushing the lads that are in the team at the minute.”
Next up for Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw’s Lincoln is a trip to Bloomfield Road where they take on League One opponents Blackpool on Tuesday. This game is in the second round of the Carabao Cup, which the Imps reached following their 2-1 away win against Derby County earlier this month.
Shaw touched on how the club want to stay in the competition and will do what is right to do so, he said: “We’ll do what’s right for everyone, we want to win and stay in this competition.
“Blackpool away is always a hard game, so we’ll get the mix right of the priorities to win, but some boys need some minutes.
“The main thing is to try and get a result.”
Lincoln return to the ProAmpac Stadium next month on September 1 as they face Blackburn Rovers who have impressed in the Championship so far, earning four points from their first two matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesborough.