It’s really hard to write a lot about the second half. Cheltenham made changes, and brought on a lump at the back to stop the diagonal balls that kept cutting them to pieces and it did get tighter. If anything, the second period was more like the game we’d have got if they still had anything to play for; tight, a little more tense and yet still with chances for us. One of the blokes behind me said we’d have won by five or six if their keeper ‘didn’t keep getting in the way’, and that’s about right. It was nice to have him needing to get in the way, because that hasn’t always been the case!
Our chances in the second period weren’t as clear cut, but they were there, without a doubt. We got into good positions without always getting a shot off, and there are a couple of reasons for our improvement. Firstly, we played with two wide players who got out wide; Scully and Whittaker, and who were backed by their full-backs in Robson and Bishop. We felt like we had some width, and that’s something you can’t say has been the case for much of the season. Secondly, Lewis Fiorini just glided around, looking more and more like a Championship player. A few weeks ago, I said I felt he’d benefit from another season at this level, but I don’t think that’s the case now. Since Sheffield Wednesday at home, he’s been excellent. there are those who say he struggled earlier in the season, but he was often played out of position, as a four (CDM for those of you who play Football Manager), rather than the eight. I think he’s like Ted, often played out of position to suit the team and therefore not being fully appreciated for what he can do in his natural role.
Also, Ben House isn’t an eight, he’s a centre forward, but if today’s game is anything to go by then he’s the natural alternative to Chris Maguire. I liked the look of Ben, he put himself about, and took a lot of punishment. Lewis Freestone seemed to take him out with a forearm smash, but he got up and got on with it. What I really liked was a moment in the second half, when he was getting at their defence down the right. He seemed to have been fouled, went to his knees, but instead of rolling about trying to shithouse his way to a free-kick, he got back up and went to fight for the ball. The outcome? He was fouled again, this one was given and we got a decent chance at goal. I know sometimes you have to be cute and win free-kicks, but I like to see good, honest endeavour as well. Remember, it’s not like House is out of non-league and wet behind the ears; he’s played for Reading in the FA Cup, Swindon in League Two and represented Scotland. He’s clearly a talented player and he represents the future of our football club, along with a handful of others.
One of those could well be Jamie Robson. It’s taken him a while to settle, and I felt against Wigan he got a bit of a battering, but over the last two matches, he’s proven himself capable of holding down the left-back slot next season. He had a solid game again, and whilst he’s not the biggest, there’s a dogged determination about him that I like. He’ll benefit from a break over the summer and a chance to take stock of his first season in England, and I believe he will be our first-choice left-back next season.
I’ve got to move onto Morgan Whittaker as well. He’s been hammered at times since joining on loan, but here’s a fact; he’s scored as many goals now as John Marquis, and he’s got more assists. I admit, he struggled at times, and once or twice appeared to lack desire, but there’s no doubt about his ability. He’s a player I wonder about next season; he hasn’t done enough (in my opinion) for Swansea to take him back and play him, but as they’re Championship, he won’t be getting a move to the division above as in the same way Lewis Fiorini will. What I think Morgan could do with is a full pre-season and 46-game campaign as a Lincoln player. I feel there’s a really good footballer in Morgan, and he’s proven it today. He’s scored two, helped set up the third and had a hand in many of our decent chances. Remember, he scored at Charlton as well, and he’s only one goal short of Morgan Rogers’ total for the Imps, in seven fewer matches. In the league, he’s our joint second-highest scorer, averaging a goal every three starts. Not bad for a player I saw described as ‘offering nothing’ a month into his deal, who was booed onto the pitch.
Sadly, I heard that again; a lone boo for Lasse Sorensen when he came on. I’ll never understand the mentality of a fan booing a home player onto the pitch and although I usually say ‘pay your money, your choice’, that’s just awful support. If it was you, hang your head in shame.
There were other performances to note; Adam Jackson was excellent although his man Etete wasn’t the toughest opponent he’ll face. Poole barely put a foot wrong and he’ll be key next season if he isn’t subject of bids from higher up. Conor McGrandles was in fine form as well, and I fear that was his penultimate game at Sincil Bank. McGrandles has suffered this season by not being Liam Bridcutt, and when things weren’t going well, he was the man we turned to and were left wanting. However, he was your (SW readers) Player of the Year last season, and today he seemed to show why.
The truth is we beat a team who seemingly had other things on their mind. Their midfield was as non-existent as ours has been at times this season, with huge gaps opening up all over the place. They often lingered too long on the ball, they misplaced passes and they offered a minimal attacking threat; they were basically all the bad things we’ve been, periodically, throughout the season. They certainly knew how to string passes together, like us, but there was no end product. I think I once described it as being ‘all thrust and no squirt’, and whilst that may be vulgar for some, it still seems appropriate.
It doesn’t really matter though, does it? We can praise Lewis Fiorini, talk about the talent of Brooke Norton-Cuffy, and speculate as to whether there’s a quality player in Liam Cullen, but they’ll not be with us next season. We might see Whittaker again, but with two games to go, we’ll learn nothing from lone players. We might not see all of the contracted Lincoln City players either, so the next two results don’t really matter one iota. Today was the final day that meant something for supporters and finally, at the 22nd time of asking, we got a three-goal win and a clean sheet. We got a performance worthy of the entrance fee, we got cheer, joviality and agreement from almost everyone on social media. Today, Sincil Bank was a good place to be, as it was against Oxford, Sheff Weds, Charlton and a couple more. Tonight, I shall sleep soundly.
What I will take away is the early, embryonic signs of a decent squad for next season. Ben House, Regan Poole, Jordan Wright, Jamie Robson, Anthony Scully and Ted Bishop will almost all be part of this squad next season, with the likes of Eyoma, Montsma and Charlie Kendall to throw in. We might have Tom Hopper and a couple more of the current quad, and on top of that some new faces. The future isn’t all doom and gloom, the future could even be bright.
One thing is for certain; the future, at least for twelve more months, is in League One.
Up the Imps
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