
Imps midfielder James Jones revealed in the weekend’s programme that he often stays out after training in a bid to sharpen his finishing.
Jones has bagged in three competitions this season, adding his first League One goal to his tally as we beat Rochdale ten days ago. He also bagged a stunner against Bradford City in the League Cup, as well as one of the six we hit Forest Green for in the FA Cup.
Throw in his strike from the spot in the shoot-out against Scunthorpe andhe’s seen the net ripple in all four competitions, but t isn’t something he takes for granted. In one prolific season at Crewe, he bagged 11 goals and that is something he aspires to once again.
“I know I can score, I have had seasons where I’ve scored a few goals from midfield in the past, so I know I have that in my locker when things are going well. I know I have that to offer, but I had an injury setback after my most prolific season when I scored plenty of goals. I know when I’m at my best I can get on the scoresheet.”
In an effort to sharpen his finishing, the 24-year-old explained how he stays out after training and tests himself against Alex Palmer.
“We do a lot of shooting after training; I’ll stay out with Palms in particular as he’s a top goalkeeper. I know if I can score past him, I’ll be doing alright! We do a lot of that, shooting practice, goalie wars all types of finishes.”

On Match Day Live this weekend, Michael Appleton revealed that he has seen several players putting in shifts after training, but that he has to balance that with the number of games the Imps are facing.
“I’ve seen little bits, there are a few players that tend to want to stay out and do a bit extra and it can be difficult to get them off the grass,” he told me live on Saturday. “You don’t want them to overdo it, especially with the amount of games we have got.”
“There’s a lot of banter that goes on with the goalkeepers, some of the midfielder players and striker and they have a bit of competition sometimes after training.”
After being given a lesson in clinical finishing at the weekend, Imps’ fans will be hoping we see the fruits of James Jones’ labour, or the other lads, in tonight’s clash with Shrewsbury, especially after putting four past them a week ago. Be sure to tune into the club’s YouTube channel at 5.45pm for Sam Ashoo, myself and a range of guests.
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