City boss Danny Cowley was delighted with Lincoln’s performance claiming that his side played with great maturity.
Lincoln City went home with the bragging rights in the Lincolnshire Derby with a 1-0 win over bitter rivals Grimsby Town.
Harry Toffolo’s early strike was all it took for the Imps to pick up three points, adding to their tally at the top of the SkyBet League Two table.
“We were pleased with our performance and I thought we played with maturity and a calmness. It was 1-0 at full time but we had really good control in the game, especially in the second half. I don’t think they threatened our goal at all,” explained the Imps boss.
“They had a few chances from corners in the first half but we had good control of the game. We conceded a late goal at Swindon last week when we were down to nine men so to show the calmness we did is really good for us.
“We started well and we wanted to get a real intensity in our play. We know that if we can get on the front foot in the first 15 minutes then it can be very difficult for the opposition.
“I thought the supporters were great in terms of driving that energy. It gave us a good foot in the game.”
The 40-year-old went on to speak about how he had encouraged his side at half time to remain the better side: “We were encouraging the lads at half time to stay on the front foot and find that second goal.
“We played well in the second half but maybe we needed to be a bit tidier in the final third. I thought we had good control of possession and territory.
“We wanted to find the second goal but couldn’t, and if you can’t find the second goal then you need to keep the back doors shut.”
City made a number of changes ahead of today’s derby with new signing Cian Bolger starting in front of goalkeeper Grant Smith who returned to the side replacing Josh Vickers.
Cowley was pleased with his side keeping a clean sheet, telling press after the match: “I am delighted to get a clean sheet today, especially with bringing Grant [Smith] back in.
“He was great today with what he had to do, it was the same for Cian [Bolger] because I thought he was really towering on his debut. John [Akinde] was getting in a lot in the second half and I am really pleased with the process today.”
Danny Rowe also made his first for the Imps following his arrival on loan from Ipswich this week. This is the 26-year-old’s second spell with City as he also arrived at Sincil Bank on loan this time last year.
Cowley spoke highly of his new arrival saying that he is Championship quality and a key player for Lincoln: “Ipswich do like him but he hasn’t had the opportunity, he is a very important player for us. Dan is top quality, he is a Championship player who hasn’t had the opportunity at Ipswich for whatever reasons.
“He needs to be loved and in an environment where he is really looked after and is a key player in the game plan and he will be all of those things here. We worked really hard to get him here this week and we are delighted to have got it over the line before today.”
City now have to travel to Yeovil on Tuesday night following the rearrangement of the fixture due to international call ups.
The Imps boss is looking forward to the game as he believes these are the type of matches that define your team.
“We have got to go to Yeovil on Tuesday night and back it up, for me the game today was for the supporters and to give something back to them. However, Tuesday night will be the type of game which wins you the league,” said Cowley.
“We will travel down on Monday and leave no stone unturned. We will do everything we can to put ourselves in the best possible position to get another good performance.
“Away at Yeovil in January, that is when you win leagues.”