I have to agree with Strangely Brown, I really enjoyed today's game. From a pure football point of view we were easily the better side in the first half and played some quite neat football at times. If we were in a purple patch rather than a poor run we would probably have gone in 2-0 up, with Gillingham hardly threatening.
Second half was more difficult but there was plenty of fight and effort and we held firm, a good sign.
If what you are expecting is a fully up to speed side ready to take all before them in league one (as it seems some are, from their comments) then you may well have been disappointed.
For me however, I am looking to see if their are hints that the new players we have, will be up to the tasks of moving us to upper mid table next season and further in the seasons to come.
If you go through the new players...
Edun - he is comfortable on the ball, looks to play the ball forward and has some ability. It's difficult to know whether left back will be his position. He is certainly more comfortable going forward than defending, but I would have said the same about Toffolo 18 months ago, but there are definite signs he will be a good and improving asset.
Bridcutt - He is obviously an accomplished player but would be a good permanent asset should we convince him Lincoln is the best place for him next year.
Coventry - He has looked a bit like a boy in a mans game, in the previous games I have seen. He is unlikley to be available to us permanently but I thought he was markedly improved today. He is a holding midfielder so not likely to attract the eye so much but he looked able to compete on pretty equal terms today. He won alot of challenges he was losing in previous games and made some good interceptions, while using the ball sensibly. He was not outstanding but a good step forward which is all you can reasonably ask. I would think if we had him on a seasons loan next year he would probably develop into the new Morrell and be a top player when he develops physically.
Scully - Has already shown promise in previous games. Not particularly great today but still ended up having a couple of chances to score, even though playing in a slightly unfamiliar position.
Hopper - Had a pretty thank less task today especially in the second half. You can however see he is an intelligent player and will benefit as the team settles down and everyone in the team gets to know their role and everyone else's.
As has been said he is probably never going to be prolific but we have managed to move up the pyramid without (m)any prolific strikers but lots of good team players.
So I saw plenty of small signs that we will slowly but steadily improve.
I also looked out at half time and I saw other young players like Lewis, Chapman, Elbouzedi etc that may also play their part going forward.
It was also interesting to hear MA's interview after the game. He obviously was easily able to get the better of Evans antics and put him in his place. I have little doubt we have a good man in charge.
So for me I did not see a drab 0-0 in difficult conditions but just confirmation that little by little, match by match there is improvement.
We are entering early spring with the promise of better things to come.