Michael Appleton was disappointed his side missed opportunities to take the lead against MK Dons this evening at LNER Stadium.
The Imps boss explained that his side had a number of chances to take the lead this evening: “I think the game should have been out of sight, so it was frustrating to come into half time on level terms. We let the game turn into a basketball match in the last 15 minutes which suited them more than us.
“When you miss the opportunities we did, we will have to manage them and deal with it. We will make sure we keep the players positive and get in the right areas because occasionally one will bounce off them and they will get going again.
“We were disappointed to go a goal behind so soon; I haven’t looked back at it yet, but the lads recomposed themselves from there. We responded really well and showed great character with a fantastic goal, but we didn’t make the most of the opportunities we got after.”
City had Liam Bridcutt to thank for their equaliser with the January arrival firing a long-range shot in before half time.
Appleton praised the midfielder for his performances since coming into the side: “Liam (Bridcutt) has a great presence on the pitch and has been a big bonus for us in the last couple of games. We have seen it in training, so it doesn’t surprise me, it’s a shame his goal didn’t become a part of a big three points for us.”
The Imps boss added comments about Tayo Edun who came into the side at left-back this evening: “Tayo (Edun) was outstanding, the way MK set up suited us more to have a better passer of the ball in that area. He is so athletic and picks up the ball so well, he did really well there.”
Appleton turned his attention to Saturday’s fixture against Accrington Stanley, explaining how a win there would make tonight’s draw a good point.
“Both sides kept countering and that suited them better, I wanted us to get control of the game,” said the City boss.
“A point is a point so we will move on, we will try to turn this into a victory on Saturday at Accrington which will result in a big point if we win there. It is a tough place to go and John does a great job with them and we have to go there with the mentality of it being a cup tie.
“They make it difficult for you and it is a difficult place to go, I have done alright there before though so we will go to play well.”
Appleton finished by explaining how a number of players will be keen to impress following the absence of Joe Morrell in Lincoln’s trip to the Crown Ground.
“Joe (Morrell) has been very good and consistent over the last few months and is a driving force in the middle of the park, so it is a disappointment for us and him,” explained the Imps boss.
“We have lots of options to go to for someone to come in and try to stay in the team. I am sure that plenty of the lads will have their hand up to start Saturday.”
