Sam Tillen was happy with the start his players made to the 2-1 defeat against Blackpool and is confident of a return to form next weekend.
Will Cowin gave the young Imps a goal advantage halfway through the first 45 mnutes, and 10 minutes later Josh Kennealey found himself through on goal before his effort was thwarted by the hands of the Blackpool goalkeeper - 20 yards outside his own box - giving the referee no choice but to brandish the red card.
Tillen spoke about the performances of both Cowin and Kennealey and their involvement in the Imps' strong start.
He said: “I thought we started quite brightly with a good intensity about us; we found ourselves ahead with a good goal off the back of some good pressing when Will Cowin showed good composure to find the back of the net.
“Josh looked a threat and his ability to take on players and beat them put us in the fortunate position of being a goal in the lead with the man advantage but unfortunately we didn’t kick on and capitalise on that.”
The Imps are on the road next weekend with a trip to face Bolton and an opportunity to turn things around.
Tillen added: “We got a response against Shrewsbury Town following a disappointing outcome at Walsall and we will ask for the same again, an increased intensity in the way we play.
“There were some positives to take away from the match, but the drop in intensity needs to be changed and we need to make sure we don’t become too passive in games.
"We know Bolton are a very good side and we will prepare the boys to go into that game and get a positive result.”