We expected a lift in tempo in the second half, and we got it, albeit for the wrong team. Sunderland came out on fire, and it could have been three or four and City would have little to complain about. The worst thing about it is that we weren’t bad, not by a long shot, but Sunderland were just good. Really good. Patrick Roberts has no place in this division, none at all, and whilst I’ve heard plenty about Defoe over the last 24 hours or so, Roberts is the man I’d take here in a heartbeat. His tricks and flicks all came off, he was direct, but creative, and if he’s not playing Championship football, or higher next season, it will be an utter travesty. He provided a good chance for Jack Clarke, who fluffed his lines again. He then laid one of for Corry Evans, who hit the outside of the post. He sliced through us like a hot knife through camembert to lay on Clarke again, who sliced another golden opportunity wide. If it was a boxing bout, I wonder if the referee might have stopped it, as Sunderland kept battering the brave, resilient, but toothless opposition.
The last Clarke chance came on 62 minutes, and four minutes later City made a big change; Morgan Whittaker came on for Joe Walsh. Of course, the first fear there was an injury to Walsh (which there seemingly wasn’t). No, it was Michael making a big chance during play, something he’s been hammered for not doing in the past. We wen 4-4-2, with Whittaker taking up a place on the wing. Instantly, the game changed, and suddenly it was City looking likely to score. Up until 76 minutes, we’d had two chances, neither on target, but by giving Sunderland a different threat to deal with, we got a foothold. It led to a frantic and exciting final exchange, with us matching the opposition. Liam Cullen, on as a sub, drew a super save from their keeper, our only real opportunity on goal during the entire game. Of course, they had their late flurry, but we stood firm, and despite rarely troubling their goal, there was always a feeling we might, especially when Morgan Whittaker came on. I won’t go as far as to say he changed the game (the formation did that), but he looked hungry and full of desire. That hasn’t always been the case during his loan spell, but he has eight matches in which to rewrite the narrative, just as reporters have done with yesterday’s game.
Who else did well? I thought Ross Stewart was marshalled excellently by our defence, and one again Regan Poole was a tower of strength. He’s a ready-made captain for me, and the moment after Wright’s late save proved that; Poole rushed in and congratulated the young keeper, and rightly so. Whilst the story is of Wright’s save, he’s actually had a great stint as our number one, and whilst I can see why we need to sign an emergency goalie between now and the end of the season, Wright has done enough to suggest him and Sam Long could battle for the role next season; that’s positive, not least because it opens up a loan place for an outfield player!
If any future loans are on a par with Norton-Cuffy, we’ll be in a great place. He’s a proper player, not just because he’s direct and attacking, but his raw power. He shrugs off challenges like he’s a ten-tonne truck ploughing through a road full of pheasants. He only ever has one thought; get forward, and that fits with the football philosophy of many of those who sit around me every week. ‘Get it forward’ is a cry I hear so often, and I don’t have a problem when the method is by carrying it at your feet like a Brazilian player from the seventies. Loans are hit and miss, I get that, but I still think we have as many hits as misses.
Another player I think has redefined his stay here in recent weeks is Lewis Fiorini. I’ve liked the lad since he arrived, and I’ve just been frustrated by his inconsistency, but I think he’s been effective on more occasions than he’s been ineffective. Personally, and I might get shot down for this, I’d love to see him back here next season. I think his physicality is improving, and in my eyes, the best thing for his development would be another campaign at this level, playing in a 3-4-3 alongside Liam Bridcutt, or whatever experienced head we manage to bring in to ensure continuity every week.
Finally, a shout has to go out to my Man of the Match, the enigmatic Cohen Bramall. I remember the first game I saw Bramall in, I remarked how he looked more like a wing back; defensively suspect at times, but a proper player going forward. Fast forward to the 2-2 draw with Cheltenham, and that late header back across goal, and I felt the writing was on the wall. He’s done incredibly well since then, but the switch to three at the back suits him more than anyone. It takes a little defensive pressure off him, and lets him attack at will. Yesterday, he made five dribbles for the Imps, the third-highest (behind BNC on 8 and Lewis Fiorini on 6), but the most successful (60% compared to 50% for Lewis and 37.5% for BNC). He put in the second-highest amount of crosses as well, although none made their target. He’s gone from being a red-hot favourite to depart, to someone well worth another year in the new setup.
As for Sunderland, whilst a small portion of their fans properly grind my gears, I can see good things for them this season. In full flow, they were as good as any team we’ve faced, and if Clarke got some shooting practice, and Roberts stays fit, then they’re going to be laughing. Sure, we kept Ross Stewart quiet, but plenty have not, and when Defoe came on he did have a couple of sights of goal. I know some of their support think they’re massive, and there’s a video of a 50-year-old man in a child’s bedroom going apoplectic because they haven’t beaten Lincoln City (yet again), but ignoring that, they’re a great club with tremendous fans. Is it any surprise this was the biggest attendance at Sincil Bank since 10,408 crammed in to watch Sunderland in an FA Cup tie in 1999? No, it is not. That was a great day, and ironically the only time I was physically assaulted by a visiting fan in the ground during my time as Poacher. With increased numbers comes the likelihood of more morons, but don’t let the social media trolls give you the incorrect picture of a fanbase that are largely committed, fanatic and understanding of the level they’re at, just as I didn’t label all Mackems as thugs the day I got punched.
We didn’t win, we didn’t score and aside from 15 minutes at the end of the game, we didn’t threaten, yet here I am in abject delight. Why? Because we did some things we haven’t done for much of the season; we competed even when we were being outclassed. We went a bit longer at times, just to ease the pressure. We didn’t panic, we didn’t capitulate and we kept going when the pressure got cranked up. We changed things to suit the flow of the game, we used the bench in what I consider to be a wise way, and we were not afraid to draw the game. We kept a clean sheet, and we came off the pitch, and fans came away from the ground, happy with the point. You see, in a relegation battle, a point can be massive: Gillingham only drew yesterday, but that got them out of the bottom four. We only drew yesterday, and in my eyes it leaves us two wins from what I think will be mathematical safety. Being a Lincoln fan, you know it ain’t over until the numbers say it’s over, but I’ve seen enough this week, in victory, defeat and stalemate, not only to suggest it is over bar the shouting, but that there’s a solid platform to build upon, tweak and improve next season.
Very soon, that will be the focus, but instead of starting in June, as we did last season, Michael can begin his planning as soon as mid-April.
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