Michael Skubala believed the Imps ‘completely dominated’ the first half of our 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town.
Given the budget difference between the clubs, a 1-1 draw is certainly to our credit, but had we taken a hatful of first-half chances, we’d have been home and dry long before the final whistle. While we did not do that, and a spirited Huddersfield Town matched us in the second period, Michael was still delighted with what he saw.
“I think in the end, in the situation of the game, it’s a good point,” said Michael in his post-match interview.
“You know if you can’t win it, you don’t want to lose it. But I thought first half we were electric. We had everything. We got on top, probably one of the best performances against a top team. You have to remember they are a top top team with some good players.
“I thought we completely dominated the first half, at least for 30 minutes, and we had everything other than the goal. We suffocated the game, we did everything well.”
In fairness, Michael’s view of the second half certainly feels accurate, as the Imps rode out some worrying moments, not least going 1-0 down.
“I think the second half was a bit even, a bit of a good play by them, Alfie May, he’s a good player, he had his moment, they score that goal. But I was really proud of the character to get back in and make sure we didn’t lose that game.”
City then came from behind, ensuring that we have still only trailed a game at home for a short period, with Adam Reach’s goal. That resilience proved to be something Michael feels is massive for the team.
“It’s a huge positive that not only can we get in front, but when we go behind, it’s getting back in the game. It’s not often we’ve done that this season.
“To come and do that against such a good team with such good players, the subs they’re bringing on have played at a very high level. But we got back in the game and I thought there were some great performances.”
Plenty of players stood out in a hardworking performance, but the midfield duo of Conor McGrandles and Iva Varfolomeev really put in a shift.
“I thought Connor and Ivan in the middle of the pitch in the first half were running the game. Ivan, that’s a big game for him and everyone saw his quality again. He’s got to get used to going again, which is great.
I thought we were great first half, just one moment where it felt like we got caught, but to get back in it showed character. It’s a good point.”
The Imps now face a quick turnaround for Sunday, when Peterborough United are the visitors in the midday televised game.
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