Cambridge 1-5 Lincoln

The Imps have scored three or more goals on 20 of the 100 matches Michael has managed, which is remarkable given the level of football we play at. I could have picked any number of those games, but the one that pleased me most was this weekend. I said at the time it might be the best I’ve seen a Lincoln City side play in my entire lifetime supporting the club, and after the beer has gone, the hangover subsided and another game passed, I’m still thinking this could be one of the best outings.

We blew Cambridge away, everything we touched went in and the goals were all well-worked with some sensational finishes. I think it was important for another reason too; it was the first time that Michael’s Lincoln 2.0 showed the same class as the boys of 2020. Last season, we were brilliant at times and there have been plenty saying this squad is not as good. In this tie, albeit against an average Cambridge side, we showed that the quality is right there, and once we settled and get everyone fully fit, we stand just as much chance of challenging the top six as we did last season, even if our budget is that of a 12-14th placed side.

Also, with this being the 99th game Michael has been in charge of, I think it was rather symbolic that Anthony Scully got two goals and three assists. He is the epitome of ‘the model’, signing a young player and developing him. he arrived a rough diamond, and here we are, a year-and-a-half later, with him polished and in form. If anything reflects Michael’s reign more than matches and league positions, Anthony Scully’s development has to be.