Derby County boss John Eustace thought Lincoln City were ‘excellent’ in the 2-1 cup victory at Pride Park.
While the serious business gets underway in a week, the Imps rounded off a pre-season campaign with a fine win in the League Cup. Ben House’s early flick gave City a surprise 1-0 lead, doubled halfway through the first period when Dom Jefferies turned Freddie Draper’s through ball into a second Lincoln goal.
Sammie Szmodics helped get the Rams back in the game, but a goalless second half saw City progress, much to the surprise of many, who have already written us off this season.
After the game, Eustace, a manager I think will make Derby a big success, paid tribute to the Imps.
“It was a really tough game,” he told Rams TV. “I thought Lincoln were excellent; their attitude was top drawer, and if you don’t start the game well and earn the right to play, you get punished.
“So, yes, it was disappointing, but we also have to reference where we are with the fitness of three or four of the players as well.
“It’s important we keep getting minutes into their legs. It might have been a bit too early for one or two of them. But I’m really disappointed to lose the game.”
Chris Cohen also paid tribute to the opponent, saying Derby were a ‘top team’ in his post-match interview.
“Derby are a top team,” he said after the game. “We gave them all the respect that they deserve for what they did last season. John’s a top coach who coached them really well and sets them up really well.
“But we also have to make sure that we implement our stuff on them, and I thought in the moments that we had with the ball, I thought we were electric.”
City now go into the draw for round two, taking place at 7:20 pm on Monday evening. Chelsea, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle and Spurs all enter at this stage, presenting the opportunity for a big night at the Bank late in August.
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