Lincoln City extended their lead at the top of League One to seven points after a 3-0 victory over Rotherham United at the LNER Stadium.
The Imps are now 22 games unbeaten as they close in on promotion to the Championship.
Bradley Praises Imps’ Intensity
Lincoln defender Sonny Bradley was full of praise for the way his side approached yesterday’s encounter against a side struggling at the bottom of the league.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Bradley said:
“Preparation for this was the same as it has been for every game we’ve had this season.”
The Imps were one up inside 20 minutes, before securing the three points with two goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half.
Two Reeco Hackett goals sandwiched a Ben House strike to hand the hosts a 3-0 half-time lead. The second half was then a case of managing the game and ensuring that more daylight was placed between themselves and the chasing pack.
The experienced Bradley was delighted with his side from start to finish.
“I think you could see that out there that we had a real focus and from the first minute no one took their foot off the gas.”
“We went out there and performed as well as we have done recently, and we got the result that we deserved.”
Praise For Those On The Fringes
Yesterday saw the Imps continue without first-choice left back Adam Reach, who was substituted at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday through injury.
Reach’s absence opened the door for Ryley Towler to start on the left of a back four, and Bradley stressed how important those players on the edge of the first team are to the club’s success.
“Throughout a tough season, you need everybody. Ryley was excellent, and Deji did his job when he came on, too.”
“Football is a team game, and you need the whole squad. I think all the lads appreciate just how hard everyone works in training.”
“Even the ones who aren’t starting week in week out keep the intensity up in training, and that has been evident when they’ve played.”
Towler has perhaps been the most unfortunate of those squad players, with the superb form of Reach, Hamer and Bradley somewhat limiting his opportunities in the starting eleven.
The 23-year-old has, however, managed over 30 league appearances and has performed well when called upon, even popping up to rescue a point in stoppage time against the Terriers in midweek.
Greater Than The Sum Of Their Parts
Lincoln City’s squad cannot be underestimated. Michael Skubala has built a group of players who can step in for each other and are prepared when called upon.
One of the season’s starting midfielders, Tom Bayliss, is now a more than able back-up to Conor McGrandles and Ivan Varfolomeev and Ben House and Dom Jefferies can literally be asked to play anywhere and give their all for the team.
This is an example of Lincoln City fans living in the good old days, now. They must enjoy the ride and embrace Championship football.
