Nathan McGinley went off at half time, he’d been one of those defenders who simply didn’t look capable of playing out from the back at all. That was something their boss, Mark Cooper, must have been keen to change. They’d been battered in the first half, that’s the truth of the matter and were it not for some good stops and a few efforts off target, we could have had three or four.
The second half didn’t quite bring the same number of chances, but it was another great performance by City. John Akinde was putting in not just one shift, but two or three simultaneously. He ran the channels, held the ball up and linked up fantastically with Matt Rhead. The way we play means they’ll not start every game together, but with Rheady being the best in the business at flick ons and holding the ball up, Akinde looked to be a free man.
They weren’t the only ones impressing though. The flanks kept on providing a source of chances, with Harry Anderson making a triumphant return to action with a rampaging display on the right. The full backs ably supported where they could and Bruno Andrade did what Bruno Andrade does. The Imps commanded the game, dictating the pace of play and always looking to be on the verge of taking the lead.
At the other end, the home side looked tepid. I’m told on of their strikers moved in the summer for £1m, only to return to League Two recently. I’m not sure you’d be able to tell which one, although Jason Shackell has bossed much better players during his times at Derby. Cian Bolger might feel hard done by of late, but the return to a Bozzy / Shacks partnership has seen us look more stable.
I have to pay homage to the keeper too. I hate to sound negative about any of our players but in my mind, Grant Smith just isn’t in the same class as Gilks. He’s an organiser, a man who commands and dictates how the back four should play as well as making the big stops. He proved that on 67 minutes with a truly world-class stop.
Right up until the deciding goal, you felt we’d get it. Akinde looked dominant and dangerous, with an effort flashed over displaying all of his attributes. he controlled and turned, creating a chance for himself from nothing. His drive just missed the target, but he looked hungry and he looked motivated. A clip on Harry Anderson might have given him a chance from 12 yards, but a lenient referee saw no foul.
Just as we were lamenting our luck Bruno got away down the left, made yet another box entry and was bundled to the floor. He didn’t look for the penalty, he didn’t play for it and he drew the foul. The referee didn’t hesitate this time out and pointed to the spot.
What happened next was a break that seemed like ten minutes. Their players went down, one even kicked the ball away as they desperately tried to put Akinde off. His last penalty, against Notts County, drew some criticism from some quarters (not here), but this time was different. He’d been unplayable all afternoon and when presented with a chance from 12 yards, he took it with aplomb.
We could still have added more, Shay McCartan offered a different dynamic after replacing Rheady and drew a late save, as did Mark O’Hara who formed a great partnership with Michael O’Connor all afternoon.
After a spell of injury time in which Forest Green still didn’t really offer a threat, the curtain came down. we won the game.
Danny was clearly delighted, letting the façade slip in his pre-match interview by stating maybe John’s performance would ‘shut a few up’. It was uncharacteristic, but it showed his passion and delight. The recent run hasn’t been easy and as a manager I’m sure he’s felt the pressure. This morning, he’ll be feeling a whole lot better.
Of course, everyone won around us so it’s as you were, but one of those tricky away games has now been chalked off with three points. There’s still big matches to play, there’s no hiding from that, but every time the ‘games played’ column increases by one, there’s less chance of sides catching us.
Last night, at the White Hart in Nettleham, every bite of steak tasted juicier and more flavoursome than the last. I slept like a log and woke up this morning to an overcast sky still brimming with the delights of spring. A defeat leaves me down overnight, but a win stays with you until the next game.
This win might just stay with us for ever, sat in the annals of history as the moment our title push regained the momentum it deserves.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ll be unable to bring you any match action shots from this game, or from Yeovil later in the week. Our apologies.
Excellent article Gary! What a magnificent win when instincts born of decades supporting the Imps told me this was the time for Forest Green to beat us. So pleased for John Akinde, such a key contributor to our league position, with perhaps the best to come. It will be interesting to see what Danny and Nicky do about formation and team in the coming games. I can see Matt Gilks and Mark O’Hara have resulted in something extra. As for Matt Rhead with John Akinde, I would love to see that from the start for the rest of the season but that is paying no attention to the potential downside against different formations and styles. I totally trust Danny and Nicky to call it right, and to resolve any issues with recent home performance that they have been studying and working on. Up the mighty Imps!
Spot on Gary , total satisfaction from the way we played and bossed the game .
Not so satisfying was the fact I had forgotten to take the two match tickets and was told I would have to buy another two even after showing the ticket office the details of purchase with eventbrite on our phone. As for the ‘ covered standing ‘ what a joke an extended sheet of tin over your head when I presumed incorrectly it was going to be behind the goal.
Honestly what a joke of a club, pleased but displeased we will not be playing them again next season as the 6 points will be a big miss.
Moment of the day apart from the final whistle , Imps fans chanting ‘ my grandads shed is bigger than this’ in front of the ‘New away stand ‘ whilst Prince Vince was doing an interview . Hilarious !