‘The Most Pleasing Thing…’ Chris Cohen Breaks Down Latest Lincoln City Win

Chris Cohen praised the commitment running through Lincoln City after another determined away performance secured a 1-0 victory at Bristol City.

Freddie Draper’s second-half winner gave us successive victories on the road, with Ben House helping create the decisive moment and another collective defensive effort protecting the advantage. For Chris, the result also reflected something built over a much longer period, and he was quick to acknowledge Michael Skubala’s contribution after getting the better of his former boss at Ashton Gate.

“In terms of the game, we’ve created something special here over the last few years.

“Michael’s a huge, the biggest part of that last year and we feel very fortunate that we’re able to continue with a group of players, supporters, staff, that give absolutely everything every game.

“We give ourselves a chance and I thought we did that really well today. We know, win, lose or draw, that we’ll be in it together.”

That togetherness was evident as City blocked, headed and cleared our way through the home side’s attempts to get back into the game. However, this was not simply the same defence repeating its performance at Preston, with Ryley Towler returning in place of Andrei Coubis and Dom Jefferies also coming into the starting XI.

Asked about those defensive qualities, Chris highlighted the ability to change personnel while maintaining the standards required.

“Yeah, and the most pleasing thing about all of this is we’re making changes to that back line. Maybe last year we didn’t make as many changes. Ryley would come in a lot in terms of on the pitch at some point, but not loads of starts.

“Ryley’s been magic for a few games. Obviously, he came out on Saturday, and Andrei came in and done really well. Andrei came back out tonight. Ryley came in.

“So we’re so happy with the squad that Jez, Liam, Ron, and the football club have put together.

“We know we have to utilise it to be fresh because every game is so challenging, every game is so demanding. We know that we have to be at full tilt, and that takes a little bit of rhythm, a little bit of freshness, and it’s mine and Tom’s job to make sure we get the balance right.”

At the other end, the winning goal came from another familiar quality: our willingness to hunt down possession high up the pitch. Ben had already won the ball back to create an early chance for Freddie, and the pair were involved again when the hosts tried to play out in the 53rd minute.

With Rob Dickie and Sam Tickle caught in a defensive mix-up, Ben nicked possession, and Freddie calmly stroked the ball into the unguarded net. Chris explained that the press had been discussed at the interval, with Tom Shaw responsible for organising that part of our game.

“We spoke to him at halftime. Tom obviously sets up the high press. I thought in the first half, a couple of almost moments. I think Freddie had a chance from one that where we pinched it back.

“It’s about the balance of how often you go, the timing of it. But again, it’s a Lincoln City goal, and the whole team’s so connected at the point that we win the ball back. Obviously, it’s a mistake from their side, and they may see it a bit differently.

“But yeah, just the way the boys implement the plans, the way that they get after it as a group is amazing to see. And we got our rewards tonight.”

Skubala understandably viewed the goal as a costly mistake from his side, but Chris’s assessment recognised the work needed to put them in that position. Ben’s pressure and Freddie’s finish supplied the decisive moment, while the commitment, dedication and stubborn resolve behind them ensured it was enough to bring another three points home.