‘Better Than Us’ – Chris Cohen Makes Frank Lincoln City Admission

Lincoln City joint head coach Chris Cohen admitted Bournemouth were simply too good for his side as the Imps bowed out of the Carabao Cup with a 4-0 defeat on the south coast.

City had enjoyed a promising opening few minutes and might have expected the contest to develop in a similar fashion to some of their recent Championship outings. Instead, Ryan Christie’s early goal changed the complexion of the game, with Bournemouth taking control from that point onwards and eventually running out comfortable winners.

Christie completed a hat-trick after the break, while Lincoln struggled to impose themselves in possession or create sustained pressure around Michele Di Gregorio’s goal.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Cohen had no complaints about the result.

“Once they scored, they took the game away from us. They were better than us in almost all phases of the game.”

There was some frustration that City were unable to make more of the positive start. Ryley Towler had arguably their clearest opportunity when the ball dropped to him following a set piece, but his effort went well over, and Bournemouth increasingly dictated proceedings thereafter.

For Cohen, the biggest disappointment was not the commitment shown by his players, but their inability to make the game look more like the one they had planned for.

“We weren’t able to create much feel in the game. That’s probably the biggest disappointment.

“The lads’ effort and application to defend the cage and try to stop really good players from scoring was incredibly admirable. However, we’re disappointed, especially as staff, and the players are disappointed that we weren’t able to implement our strategy against them.”

Bournemouth’s quality was evident throughout. Even with changes to their side, they possessed pace and technical ability across the pitch, with £20m winger Ben Gannon-Doak particularly influential before being withdrawn during the second half.

The gulf between the clubs on the night was clear, but Cohen also pointed towards Bournemouth as an example of what Lincoln can aspire to become. The Cherries themselves rose through the divisions before establishing themselves in the Premier League, giving City a glimpse of the standards required at the upper end of English football.

“That’s the challenge for us as a football club, isn’t it? One day, we aspire to be like Bournemouth, a club that has worked its way through the leagues and is now at the top end of the top league in the world.

“They’ve got quality all over the pitch.”

The result ends Lincoln’s League Cup run after victories over Derby County and Blackpool, but there is little time for the defeat to linger. Attention now switches immediately back to the Championship and a trip to Preston North End. Cohen made it clear where the priority lies, particularly after a demanding midweek journey to the south coast.

“We’re doing everything we can to be ready for a massive game in the Championship. The League Cup was lovely, with some good games and victories, but Preston away is the most important game this week, most definitely.”