Football has a habit of biting you on the backside and proving you wrong- walking down to the ground and discussing the team selection- couldn't see how the team would bolt together... Sorensen on right wing, Roughan LWB again, Adelakun as the main front man......!!
First 15 minutes I was smug that I was right- they came forward in numbers, we looked overwhelmed and a little uncohesive. On 10 mins, attack down the Charlton left, ball into the box that looked all the world a 50/50 for Jensen at worst and more like a 60/40 in his favour- he hesitated, cross came in and Jensen appeared to palm it onto May who chested/thighed it into the net.
Crowd went a little quiet- we'd been here before.
Next 10 mins still looked uncomfortable but we slowly started to get the ball wide and behind them (particularly down the right and Sorensen). Whether it was our endeavour or whether they stepped back 5 yards but from 20 mins we were much more in their half, attempts on goal (Sorensen again had two ripping shots one of which almost cut Roughan in half on their 6 yard line).
33 mins, attack down the right- Sorensen to Burroughs, cross in- superbly controlled by Adelakun, swivel 180 and left foot shot into the back of the net.
Second half carried on where we left off- Adelakun finished off a sumptuous move down the right, cross from Sorensen and 6 yard tap in. 2-1.
Third goal from Roughan on 78 mins after coming in from the left to latch onto a loose ball in their box.
23 attempts on goal, 9 on target.
44% possession
What was different to 10 days ago? Again we moved the ball much quicker through the thirds, we were not afraid to shoot from distance, Sorensen at right wing was a bigger revelation than when he played RWB, looking to go forward more often, no falling out between players
What was the same to 10 days ago? Defensively very strong, not afraid to pass it around the back to keep possession.
Fleetwood first half was good and second half was "resilient" (Ie we hung on with 32% possession)
Today was different- completely different to Fleetwood against a much better team.
Not a bad player on the pitch- Smith showing what he can do given the chance, Hamilton/Erhahon were excellent in the centre midfield and Adelakun I am genuinely pleased for- put a shift in, scored two goals (for the first time in his career) and looked a player.
However if I ever see a better performance on a Lincoln wing than Sorensen tonight then I will be truly blessed. Charlton forum raving about Sorensen- he was a different class to anyone on the pitch tonight. It was a privilege to be there. An engine the size of a juggernaut and a passion and desire to always create- exceptional.
What has Tom Shaw done in a week? He has simply been brave enough to try something and not be worried if it doesn't work, Tactics are very similar to 10 days ago, formation (injuries aside) is no different however team personality and game plan is where he has invested his energy.
Tonight was a good night because we made it a good night.