Michael Appleton was happy with his sides performance this evening as they defeated Manchester City Under 21’s on penalties this evening in the Papa John’s Trophy.
The Imps were close to taking all three points against the visitors but a late leveller took the game into a penalty shoot-out to decide the bonus point in the final game in Group E of this season’s competition. But despite the late disappointment, the City boss was happy with the performance of his side and to be able to win a second penalty shoot out in the competition so far this season which will serve as good experience should it be needed in the future.
“I thought the performance was great, especially in the second half and some of the football was really good. I thought we got stronger as the game went on, our physicality speed and fitness showed so I was really, really pleased.
“From the first whistle in the second half we were on the front foot and pressed really well and maybe could have had a couple of penalties and when we went one nil up it could have been job done, but we conceded right at the end, but these things can happen.
“We’ve got the job done in the penalty shoot-out, and we may need to do that again in the next round or the FA Cup. So to come through that was pleasing.”
Another bonus for Michael was to see skipper Liam Bridcutt back out on the pitch, the combative midfielder came through an hour on his return from injury and his manager was happy to have his experience back amongst the group.
“I thought Brids was good. There was a control and an aggression to his play and it was nice to see that in the middle of the park, we’ve got some good footballers in the middle of the park in James Jones, Jorge Grant and Conor (McGrandles) but Brids gives us that little extra bit of physicality too.”
Next up for The Imps is a return to Skybet League action as Accrington Stanley are our hosts on Saturday afternoon. The game is of course live on We Are Imps iFollow for City fans to keep up with the action LIVE as it happens.
So why not get your match pass ahead of the game now by CLICKING HERE
