‘So Many Positives’ – Chris Cohen Assesses Lincoln City Performance In Millwall Draw

Chris Cohen found plenty to encourage him in Lincoln City’s performance at Millwall, despite seeing a two-goal lead slip in a 2-2 draw.

Andrei Coubis struck after just 30 seconds, with Rob Street doubling City’s advantage in the 33rd minute to put the Imps in control at the break. Kyrell Lisbie and Jake Cooper brought Millwall level in the second half, before a late dismissal for Deji Elerewe left City to negotiate the closing stages with ten men.

Speaking after the final whistle, Cohen reflected on the afternoon following defeats at Sheffield United and against West Ham.

“I thought the way the boys came out of the traps, the way they implemented everything we asked them to do in terms of being brave, aggressive, on the front foot, trying to create chances and trying to quieten the crowd, they were brilliant. No one’s ever content losing a two-goal lead.

“But the boys’ effort, application and bravery throughout the course of the performance were incredibly admirable. We’ll go away and look at those last two goals. If there’s something we could have helped with, we’ll make sure we don’t make those mistakes again.

“If it was out of our control, then we have to accept it. We’ll always look to improve, but there were so many positives from the performance.”

Freddie Draper and Dom Jefferies both hit the post in the same move early in the second half, with City passing up several opportunities to extend their advantage before Millwall pulled one back. Cohen was also asked about those chances and the spell which followed.

“You look back and it looked like DJ had an incredible chance, and you look at where he tried to put it. I think he tried to put it in the right spot. It hits the inside of the post. How many times do you see it just nip in, bounce back off the keeper, or someone else comes and gets the next rebound? These boys are amazing, their endeavour. Technically, I thought DJ was excellent again today. So that stuff happens.

“The learning for me and Tom is probably that it almost gave them the ascendancy once we’d missed those two chances, because they probably thought, “Well, we have got a chance.” If we score that goal, obviously that goes away from them. So it’s probably for us to look at how we kill the game a little bit better in that 10-minute spell afterwards, when they eventually end up getting back into it.”

Cohen and Tom Shaw now have a full week to prepare for Burnley’s visit to Sincil Bank next Saturday, which will be a blessing after being forced to play 8 pm Wednesday and 12:30 Saturday, which is utterly mental scheduling.

Sadly, Elerewe’s dismissal and Draper’s booking add to their selection concerns, with Tom Hamer also suspended for the encounter. Having ended a difficult week with a point on the road, City will be looking to build on the performance and give the home support a victory.