Chris Cohen says Lincoln City are determined to make their return to the Championship about more than simply being back at the level, after the Imps recorded their first second-tier victory in more than 65 years at Bolton Wanderers.
Ben House’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, giving City their first league victory of the season and their first at this level since their previous spell in the second tier.
The result came after City had been required to withstand significant Bolton pressure during the first half, with George Wickens making important saves and Sam Dalby striking the outside of the post, before the visitors improved after the interval and created a series of opportunities of their own.
House eventually made the breakthrough in the 66th minute, glancing Callum Elder’s long throw beyond Jack Bonham, after which City defended their advantage as Bolton pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages.
Asked afterwards about the wider significance of recording a victory at Championship level after such a long absence, Chris said the scale of last season’s achievement remained clear to both him and joint head coach Tom Shaw, but insisted City had not returned to the division simply to enjoy the occasion.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to do some fan forums over the last few weeks where I’ve met supporters that were at the last win,” he told press.
“We understand the magnitude of what we achieved last year, but we’re not here on a holiday. We’re here to try and win lots of games of football. We’re super proud. Me and Tom are super proud to have that performance, that type of performance, a gritty away 1-0 victory. But it’s most important for the supporters.
“They follow the club through thick and thin. Ten years ago, I’m not sure where we would’ve been and Bolton would’ve been, but the rise of the football club’s amazing, and they’re going to be a key part of us being successful this season.”
The victory followed defeats against Middlesbrough and Portsmouth earlier in the Championship campaign, while City had also progressed in the Carabao Cup with wins against Derby County and Blackpool.
City will be hoping to follow the win up with something against Blackburn Rovers at the Bank on Tuesday evening.
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