Lincoln City continued their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 victory against Mansfield Town in a behind-closed-doors fixture.
Goals from Jack Moylan, Dom Jefferies and youngster Charlie Parks secured the win, with the game played across two 60-minute periods as both sides looked to increase fitness levels ahead of the new campaign.
Mansfield should have provided a useful test as the season draws closer. Nigel Clough’s side have added experience during the summer, bringing in midfielder Jon Russell from Barnsley, former Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith and veteran forward David McGoldrick. The latter may now be 38, but his technical quality and experience should still make him a useful option at League One level.
The Stags are preparing for another season in the third tier, while we are now just two weeks away from beginning life in the Championship. The result itself will not carry huge importance, but another clean bill of health, increased minutes and a convincing scoreline all represent positive steps.
Chris Cohen was pleased with the intensity shown by the players against a side he described as well-managed and full of quality.
“There were loads of positives. The way the boys conducted themselves and went after the game to try and win it throughout both 60-minute periods was exemplary.”
Cohen also stressed that there remained plenty to improve, although he felt the players had implemented the tactical plan well. Several members of the squad moved from 45 minutes to an hour, with the next friendly coming at Grimsby Town on Tuesday evening.
Josh Honohan featured as he continued his return to fitness with more minutes, which will delight City fans. Josh feels like a new signing, and his competitive debut is eagerly awaited. Ben House, also missing earlier on in pre-season, completed 60 minutes as well, as the squad begins to move towards that huge opener against Middlesbrough.
“There were loads of bonuses from the day, not least coming through without any injuries, which is obviously a really important part of pre-season,” Cohen added.
Grimsby are next up at Blundell Park, before the back-to-back matches against Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley on Saturday. That’s followed by another friendly behind closed doors, against Nottingham Forest B, before the season starts.
If you wish, the full interview with Chris Cohen can be read on the official site.