Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley explained how his side have been working during the week to improve. Aiming to ensure that they learn how to see games out, instead of throwing away important leads.

The league leaders were once again held to a draw last weekend, against play-off chasing Stevenage. However, this one will have hurt more than most, as Cowley’s side were two goals ahead with five minutes remaining.

Cowley on Stevenage disappointment

The late collapse means that the Imps have now drawn four successive games. This means that the gap to second has been cut to just two points.

However, Cowley insists on keeping a positive mindset, pointing out that his side have lost just one of their last 16 league games.

On dealing with the result, Cowley said:

“We always reflect, we always try to learn, whether we win, lose or draw. So we tried to take learning from the game.
“We didn’t think we started as well as we’d have liked. Then obviously having gotten into a really good position in the game, we’ve learnt a lot about how to see games out.
“You always have to be careful. Because if you talk too much about it, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But at the same time, I’ve never believed in burying your head in the sand.
“We’ve conceded some late goals, and there are some different reasons for that. And we’ve spent some time this week working on ways of seeing games out in the dying moments.
“If you see a pattern you don’t like, you need to make some changes. Because if you just expect it to change, then that’s the definition of insanity.”

This is also the first time Lincoln have gone four games without a win in a single season since March/April 2016. Which is before Danny Cowley was at the helm.

Cowley on Morecambe

The Imps will be hoping to claim that much needed win this Saturday when they travel to relegation battlers Morecambe. A side who will be buoyed by their midweek win against Oldham Athletic.

The results means that the Shrimpers head into the Lincoln game with back to back wins. As Cowley knows it will be no easy task, believing teams always bring their A game against the league leaders.

On Saturday’s opponents, he said:

“They’ve had two really good away wins. Nicky and I watched them at Oldham on Tuesday night. Jim Bentley has done an amazing job there, I think he’s the longest-serving manager in the Football League.”
“Year on year he finds a way, brings new players in, and finds a method and a style to keep their heads above water.”
“He’s got a good team. They’re like Jim, full of resilience and grit. And they’ve got a real spirit and togetherness about them, so it’s going to be a really tough games for us.”
“We look forward to the challenge that this Saturday brings. You have to have those qualities if you want to go to Morecambe and get a positive result. Because it is a really tough place to go.”
“We’re looking forward to the game coming round, and showing everybody what we’re really made of.”

Lincoln will be encouraged by the fact that Morecambe have picked up just one point at home in 2019. But as Cowley says, they can’t take any team for granted in this league.

Cowley on brilliant Bruno

One player that Imps fans will have been impressed with of late, is Bruno Andrade. With the Portuguese winger having scored four goals in his last three games, since returning from suspension.

Andrade was given a straight red card for kicking out at a player in the club’s 2-2 draw with Swindon. And the 25-year-old believes that he used his three-match ban as a chance to improve both his fitness and his mentality.

On Bruno’s recent form, Cowley said:

“I think you have to give credit to the player. It’s his attitude and application to want to work, which Bruno has done really well.”
“Then you’ve got to have that bit of individual brilliance that Bruno has, to be the difference. He’s had a brilliant run since he came back from suspension, and credit to him for that.”
“From our point of view, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is to see your players work really hard, and then get the success they deserve.”
“It makes you feel all warm inside.”

Bruno’s efforts during this difficult period are shown by being the only Lincoln player to have scored in February. As Imps fans will be hoping that they can see multiple names on the scoresheet come this weekend.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR