Michael Skubala was pleased with his squad’s response as they secured victory at Barnsley to progress into the knockout stages of the Vertu Trophy as Group D winners.
Frankie Okoronkwo's first Imps goal coupled with a James Collins strike sealed a 2-0 victory at Oakwell, and was the perfect response to Saturday's league defeat at Rotherham United.
Skubala said: “It was a credit to every man who featured the game - it was a really good performance and I really loved the energy shown by the team, we connected and looked a lot more like ourselves.
“We wanted to come here and make sure we topped the group to help with a home tie in the next round."
There were crucial returns for Oisin Gallagher, Dom Jefferies and Jack Moylan after lengthy periods ruled out via injury.
Skubala said: “I loved Oisin at centre half, I think that is where he is going to end up, I keep saying it and we’ve now seen him against some top players in this league and perform well.
"Dom brings super energy to the team, we've got to build his minutes up and not rush him but it was great to get him back on the pitch for 45 minutes. Jack energises the pitch just like Dom, and again it was really pleasing to see him out there."
The impressive performance gives a timely confidence boost ahead of Saturday's League One visit of Doncaster Rovers - ending a run of five successive away games for City.
With the visitors selling out their allocation there is going to be a large crowd at the LNER Stadium
Skubala added: “There are really great positives from this match - we'll keep working hard and we're getting our mojo back.
"Off the back of this win we can take real belief into Saturday's game - we want to go and put on a good show alongside our fans."
