Tom Hopper was delighted to get his name on the scoresheet helping the side to a comeback win over Burton Albion at LNER Stadium on Saturday.
The striker netted his first two goals in the colours of The Imps as City came back from the disappointment of going behind twice before taking all three points with the final goal in five on a blustery afternoon in Lincolnshire. It was a tough encounter for Tom who admitted he loves the hustle and bustle against a strong defensive unit like Burton but as much as he enjoyed netting a brace, it’s all about the team.
“Yeah it was all fun and games, it’s all in a day’s work. I don’t mind games being like that, and we came away with all three points so that’s all that matters really. It’s nice to get off the mark, the longer it goes on you try not to let it bother you but it was nice to get that first one but to then get another was even better. Hopefully I can build on that now.”
Whilst Tom’s first strike could be said to be the easiest way to get off the mark as he swept home from very close to the frame of the goal, he said sometimes they can be the hardest to actually put over the line.
“They’re the ones you sometimes miss because you think they’re easier than they are! The pitch was a bit lively, so the ball was bobbling a little but you’ve just got to watch it before you put it in so it was nice.” He said.
But for the second goal, it was all about being in the right place to finish off a fantastic team goal, which involved almost all the City outfield players.
“Jorge kept the ball alive at the back post and put it in, I was between the posts which you try to be as a striker and get there before the defender and I was, so happy days!”
The 26-year-old, who joined The Imps in January from Southend says he’s settled in well to the squad and feels like he’s now feeling the benefits of the hard work put in on the training ground.
“I felt like the performances have been where I want them to be over the past couple of games but then to add the goals to that was nice. It’s something we’ve all got to build on, we’ve set the standard as a team working hard, so as I say we’ve set the bar and we can’t drop under that.
“I think I grasped what is expected of me before the break, when you come into a team you always like to think you can come in and have an impact but I didn’t but then in the last couple of games as I say I’ve been closer to where I want my performances to be. I almost wanted us to have a game last week to keep the performance levels up.”
Next week sees City travel to face Tranmere Rovers and whilst the win today moved City up in the Skybet League One table, Tom says the only focus next week is on the opponents at hand not the league standings.
“You have to look at yourself regardless, you have to beat the team in front of you on a Saturday it doesn’t matter where we are in the table. If we can take care of business ourselves then that’s all we can do.”
Tickets are still available for next weekend's trip to take on Tranmere Rovers, you can get them online via Eventbrite HERE or in person at the ticket office within the club store at LNER Stadium.