By Nathan Jackson
January 2 2010

Lincoln City's involvement ended at Bolton this season, however, the 4-0 scoreline was slightly flattering to Bolton and City were unlucky not to score. There are more than enough signs to suggest we can survive our relegation battle, especially the news that Grimsby yet again failed to win. Realistically I knew that we were never going to win at Bolton, but there were many things I was pleased about, and others that enraged me. We'll start with the bad things as it means we'll have a positive end.

My first point is about the off the ball movement, or subsequent lack there was, by players whenever we were on the attack. When we broke on the wings, there was no movement in the middle for the player with the ball to pass to. There was one point where Anderson broke with the ball down the left and I looked to see who was available.....and not one player was moving. They were all just stood there like it was a game of musical statues. How can we expect to score goals if everyone just stands still and doesn't help out a winger that's surrounded by numerous players?

Then we get onto Sutton's selection. I'm not even going to get onto the selection of John-Lewis, I'm sick of talking about the pointless endeavour that is putting Lenell John-Lewis anywhere near the pitch, let alone up front on his own. However, the formation was also a fairly negative 4-5-1, it's just surprising that we attacked as much as we did with that formation.

Also, what the hell was going on with our set-pieces? I'm sorry, but these set-piece tactics that see the players dick about with dummies and flicks don't work against League Two clubs, so what are the chances they're going to work against a Premiership side?

However, that's about as far as my complaints really go. For the first 45 minutes and the time between Bolton's second and third, we were well in the game and had it not been for a few fine saves from Ali Al-Habs, then we would have scored. Chris Herd's attacking intent was good to see, it's nice to see a player who'd not afraid to shoot.

The spirit was also there for all to see. Even when we conceded twice in rapid succession, the players still tried and if anything, pushed forward even more, something we haven't seen in recent times. In the recent past we would have conceded and that'd be it, we'd have no more attacking intent for the rest of the game and just whittle and go down without a fight. Granted, we still conceded two more after those other goals, but at least it was a 4-0 defeat where we showed some integrity. Today 11 men did their best for the Imps, Lenell John-Lewis also played.

Other than John-Lewis, there wasn't one player out there who had a bad game. Granted, there were those that he better games than others, but no-one else realistically had a bad game. Scott Kerr produced a great captain's performance, Gilmour was a good link up player between the midfield and attack, and the loanees all had decent enough games.

However, the news that Grimsby failed to win again was arguably the best thing to happen today. They made it five draws in six games, but are rapidly approaching four months without a win and now City are four points ahead with two games in hand.

Reaction to the FA Cup defeat at Bolton

Discussion started by theimps.tk (IP Logged), 02/01/2010 18:20

theimps.tk
02/01/2010 18:20

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Rob Peel
02/01/2010 21:17

You can not fault the effort of anyone except LJL i think his time has now ended fantastic chance for him todsay and he did not look like he gave a @#$%&....

Kerr and Herd battled throughout and for Herd was the best player on the whole pitch....

The 2 quick goals killed us and seemed to deflate the buzz that had generated in the away end on the lead up to half time shame really....As for me the 2nd half just passed everyone by...

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