Tom Shaw hailed an unforgettable afternoon for everyone connected with City after the Imps produced a superb second-half display to defeat Burnley at the ProAmpac Stadium.
City secured their first home victory of the Sky Bet Championship campaign in emphatic fashion, with Shaw particularly pleased to reward the supporters following their outstanding backing throughout the opening months of the season.
He said: “I’m delighted for a few groups of people. The staff, their consistency, their work ethic and the work they do behind the scenes is amazing.
“The players make the training ground a pleasure to be at every day because of the way they go about their work.
“Probably more importantly than anyone, the supporters. We felt like we owed them one from the West Ham experience. Those last 20 minutes, when the stadium came alive to get the boys through that experience, meant a lot.
“We knew this was a big day, an important day and a big opportunity, but against a dangerous opponent.
“I’m delighted for everybody to have that feeling at full-time. The lads went after it, especially in the second half. They were relentless with their work and got a big reward.
“That’s Lincoln City beating Burnley 4-1 in a league game. We’ve got to remember the journey and all the people who have been involved in getting us here.
“It feels like an amazing day and one we can build on.”
After Ben House’s equaliser brought City level shortly before the interval, the Imps emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and took control of the contest.
Shaw revealed that a frank half-time discussion had challenged the players to be more aggressive and make the most of the opportunity in front of them.
He sai: “We felt we could be a little bit more ruthless. We thought Burnley were there for the taking and that we’d been a little bit tentative in certain moments.
“But the lads went right after it for the second 45 minutes. I thought in every area of the game we were far superior.
“The lads did everything we asked of them and that’s what we want this football team to look like and play like.
“We know the level of opposition will sometimes stop that happening, but we’ve got nothing to fear when you see what this group is capable of.”
Mikkel Ladefoged marked his first start for City with two goals, while Dom Jefferies also found the net as the Imps made the most of their second-half dominance.
Shaw was particularly pleased for Ladefoged, whose dedication on the training ground has earned him an opportunity to make his mark.
He said: “The things he’s been doing in training over the past few weeks have almost forced the issue.
“He’s a very talented boy. That’s why we brought him to the club.
“Like all new signings, it takes a bit of time to figure everything out. We’re quite demanding of that position, especially out of possession.
“His learning has been amazing. He’s very invested in his development and in the game.
“I feel that the way he’s gone about the last few weeks means he’s got his rewards.”
Shaw also highlighted the contribution of Jefferies, whose versatility has seen him operate in several positions this season.
He said: “I’m so pleased for Dom. He puts a lot of effort into his game and plays in different positions.
“Sometimes, unfortunately, he misses out because of his versatility, but he’s been a big performer for us.
“What a beautiful finish from the Welsh wizard.”
There was further praise for goalkeeper George Wickens, who produced a number of important saves, including a penalty stop, and midfielders Eunis Konak and Conor McGrandles.
Shaw believes the performances of City’s younger players underline the progress being made throughout the club.
He said: “We’ve obviously got some exceptional senior professionals in our group, but I thought the young players today were amazing at times. They just grew and grew.
“That’s what this club is all about. We want to bring talent into the building, work hard every day to improve it and then let them fly.
“Now we’re letting them fly in the Championship.
“It’s very exciting for the future of the club with the amount of talent we’ve got in the building.”
The result provided a memorable moment for players and supporters alike, with Shaw pleased to see the Imps rewarded for their performances in recent weeks.
He added: “We feel there have been a few points that have just got away from us. Southampton, Blackburn, and I thought we were very good against Swansea, to be honest.
“So it felt really nice at the end.
“It was nice to have a few minutes left with a three-goal lead. If we could have a few more of those along the way, that would be lovely!
“They were lovely moments. The supporters deserve it, and now we get ready for what will be a tough game against Birmingham City.”
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