Michael Appleton was pleased with his side’s performance as they secured their place in the EFL Trophy knockout stages with a 3-1 win over Mansfield Town.
The Imps manager had to switch some players around following a busy schedule which saw three away on international duty after last weekend's 3-2 win at Blackpool.
TJ Eyoma and Sean Roughan partnered in centre half, bringing the pair inwards from their usual fullback positions.
Michael was impressed with the duos performance saying: “The two centre halves we had tonight did great.
“They have come up against two experienced players, so for the lads to cope with them type of players was pleasing.”
Appleton continued by discussing his team selection, highlighting Harry Anderson and Tayo Edun’s performances.
“There were some really good bits,” said the Imps boss.
“We had a few players who couldn’t get through tonight after Saturday, so we had to be careful with our team selection.
“I though Harry (Anderson) did a job for us at right back, we had a young centre half pairing and then Tayo (Edun) did well at left back.
“Theo is one of seven or eight who kept going and closing the opposition, I thought the front six did it all night to be fair to them.
“There were other opportunities which came from us putting the opponents under pressure.”
Despite going into the break a goal ahead, Michael admitted he wanted more: “We were disappointed to only have one at half time.
“Mansfield only got into the game because we went 3-0 up in the second half. We played well and the goals we got were pleasing.”
The City manager finished by looking forward to Saturday’s return to league football with a fixture against Bristol Rovers at LNER Stadium on the horizon.
“We will refocus now and look forward towards a really big game on Saturday against Bristol Rovers.
“We can really focus on the league now for the next few games, but when the Man City game comes around, we will be able to give players minutes, it will be a great game against a top side.”
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