Chris Cohen was encouraged by another productive afternoon as Lincoln City continued their pre-season preparations with victory over Mansfield Town.
Goals from Jack Moylan, Dom Jefferies and Charlie Parks secured the 3-0 win in a competitive behind-closed-doors fixture as the players continued to build towards full match fitness.
He said: “We were really excited to have Mansfield come here as we know the type of team they are. They’ve got loads of good players and they’re a really well-managed side under Nigel Clough, so it was exactly the test we expected it to be.
“There were loads of positives. The way the boys conducted themselves and went after the game to try and win it throughout both 60-minute periods was exemplary.
“There are loads of bits to work on, but it was a really successful workout again. A lot of the lads stepped up from 45 minutes to 60 as well.”
With just two weeks remaining until the Sky Bet Championship campaign begins, Cohen believes the squad are progressing well both physically and tactically.
He said: “Pre-season is really starting to step up now. We’re looking to keep building the players’ minutes. We’ve got another really good game on Tuesday night at Grimsby Town, before every player gets 90 minutes next week against Barnsley or Doncaster Rovers.
“With two weeks to go until the season starts, we’re also looking for lots of tactical improvements and I thought the boys implemented the game plan really well again.
“It’s always nice to win. We always want to win games. I said that after the Boston game and there was disappointment after Leyton Orient. Winning isn’t the only thing we’re chasing at this stage, but you always want to build good habits.
“Overall it was a really good day, but there are loads and loads of areas where we can still improve.”
Josh Honohan featured as part of his return to fitness, while Ben House continued to increase his workload having had to sit out the first couple of pre-season fixtures.
Cohen said: "It was lovely to see him out there in the shirt. He’s worked incredibly hard since he came to the football club. You see him in the gym every day doing everything he possibly can to get himself fit, so for him to get those minutes was really pleasing.
“Ben House got 60 minutes as well, which was another big positive. There were loads of bonuses from the day, not least coming through without any injuries, which is obviously a really important part of pre-season. The sports science and medical staff have done another excellent job.”