I will always err on the side of caution when it comes to football as well as life. Not the way to live a life, perhaps, but a guard from promotion talk before the end of January!
However, Tuesday’s performance at home to Bradford City had even this usually realistic, if not negative, supporter purring.
Up There With The Best
The Imps welcomed a fourth-placed Bradford City side to the LNER Stadium, looking to extend an unbeaten run that stretches back to late November.
Bradford made the 90-minute journey to Lincolnshire off the back of three defeats in their last four, but still with a chance of closing the gap on their hosts to just three points.
Unfortunately for the Bantams, any hopes of piling the promotion pressure onto Michael Skubala’s side were blown out of the water by a simply electric Lincoln side.
The Imps raced out of the traps like a hungry greyhound chasing down the hare, with the excellent Freddie Draper making his intentions known after a couple of minutes. Draper fired a left-footed drive that flew over the goal.
City were ahead after just seven minutes, after more excellent work from the seemingly unplayable Draper. After winning a free kick deep in Bradford territory, the 21-year-old got himself in the box and produced a lovely header over Sam Walker.
This performance wasn’t about the goalmouth action; it encompassed everything. Neat play in tight spaces, winning second balls, chasing and harrying defenders, battling and playing pace. It was thrilling.
The first half was dominated by the hosts, with the football being played receiving full and vociferous backing from the packed out home crowd. As halftime approached, Freddie Draper had run himself into the ground, and the midfield had been beautifully controlled by Conor McGrandles and Ivan Varfolomeev, but the Imps were still just one goal to the good.
How often have we seen sides dominate only to drop points after failing to convert their dominance? Thankfully, Jack Moylan was on hand to alleviate those fears with a wonderfully crisp strike that was past Walker before he could even dive.
Perfectly Managed Second Period
Whilst the second 45 minutes weren’t as exhilarating on the football side, they highlighted how in control the Imps were.
Aside from a Stephen Humphrys effort that was comfortably palmed away by George Wickens, Graham Alexander’s Bantams were held at arm’s length by Michael Skubala’s side.
Time didn’t drag; there was no nervous clock watching or nail-biting moments, but instead a composed and professional second half that was still sprinkled with quality.
With time running out, Michael Skubala was able to call on the likes of Ben House, Tom Bayliss and new signing Alfie Lloyd to replace Jack Moylan, Varfolomeev and Freddie Draper.
It was House, a real workhorse and fan favourite, who grabbed the third with just minutes left to give the score line more of a deserved reflection.
As I find myself telling the children in my class, there’s something special about live sport, and Tuesday night reignited that belief. Does the pessimist/realist in me believe it will all be highs? No, he does not. He is fully aware that sport can fire you skyward one minute and dump you to the ground the next.
So, you’ll not quite find me talking of promotion yet, but I will enjoy nights and performances like the one that demolished Bradford City, at Sincil Bank, under the lights. Wonderful.