Michael Skubala was in a positive mood when speaking to press after the Imps’ 3-0 win at Peterborough United.
Adam Reach’s early free-kick gave us a lead, before Tendayi Darikwa and sub Justin Obikwu finished things off for the Imps. It was a strong outing and a first win at London Road in 19 years.
“I thought from start to finish, we were solid,” Michael said post-match. “We were excellent in terms of our first 20 minutes. Got the goal. Probably a 10-minute spell where we had to weather them getting out a little bit too easy on a press, but then we changed shape a little bit at halftime.
“Thought second half, I thought we were totally dominant and dominated the game, and some great goals there, but solid at the back and some good goals as well to finish. I think it’s a great day at the office.”
It was a great day for fans and players alike, not least for Adam Reach, chipping in with a goal and an assist. His early free kick set the tone for us, and underlined how we have yet another dead ball specialist in the ranks.
“He’s got a brilliant left foot. We know that the quality he has of his left foot and it was a quality goal in the end, but I thought he was good today as well in his overall performance.”
At 1-0, we did occasionally look vulnerable, but a change of shape after half time made things difficult for the opposition. Adam Jackson’s injury prompted the switch, but it was something the management already had planned.
“Yeah, we were talking about changing shape anyway. So, when that (Jacko’s injury) happened, we just we we had we made two (changes), changed the shape, and we thought we could be more aggressive in our press if we changed the shape, and we did that.
“We actually changed shape three or four times this game to try and get on top of them. And then when we probably found it, because they changed, so there were a few changes going on, but then we thought we landed on something we thought was really aggressive.
“I think from all over the second half, we just dominated the game. It felt like the whole game was in their half and we were only going to get on top of it.”
Tendayi Darikwa gave us a 2-0 lead, before sub Justin Obikwu finished off, and Michael was keen to point out the quality we now have across the squad.
“He’s been great. Whenever he comes on, he looks a real handful. He’s been really effective, but all of them are playing well. You know, there’s no one in the group at the minute I don’t think is playing well.
“Erik Ring’s not in the squad. Oscar Thorne’s not in the squad. We’ve got two injuries in Dom Jefferies and Jack Moylan; Lewis Montsma, who played well against Chelsea, is not in the squad. So, everyone’s pushing to get in the team and everyone’s then pushing to to get on the bench and there’s just some really good healthy competition at the minute.”
Of those players mentioned, almost all are sure to start on Tuesday against Manchester United Under 21s, looking to stake a claim for a place on Saturday against Exeter City.