City head coach Michael Skubala hailed his 'special group' of players as they defeated Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium to extend their unbeaten Sky Bet League One run to 16 matches.
A first-half Rob Street penalty looked to have been the decisive goal, after the Imps withstood second-half pressure from the hosts, but they sealed the success through Tom Bayliss' close range strike in the fifth minute of added time.
Skubala said: “The game had both sides of us. In the first half we were in complete control and dominating with the ball, working so hard to go and get the first goal. We were superb with the ball - even though it was quite a sticky pitch we were the ones on the front foot but we got that penalty and got ahead. Rob’s finishing has come on so much. He’s so composed and took his penalty well.
“In the second half we had to dig in and be tough. They had a different intensity and structure, changed shape a few times and were throwing everything at us and could keep players high, and cause lots of problems. We had to change shape too and from there we got more control and could punch back a bit on the counter-attack.
“The pitch was sticky and heavy, and in the second-half it was like a couple of heavyweight boxers trying to chug it out, but this group can dig out wins. It was great work from Dom Jefferies and Tom Bayliss at the end to seal it.
“I was really pleased with the substitutes that came on. You could see how tired the lads were and they really helped us. They’re a special group – I don’t think you can look at anybody in this team and say they don’t work hard."
Backed by a sold-out away following of 1,649 fans, Skubala hailed the support from City's supporters once more.
He said: “It was a brilliant away win for the fans. They made it feel like a home game at times and everyone can go home happy with the result.
“There’s a long to go this season still and we need to keep thinking of the next game, and going for the three points."
We have sold more than 1,500 2026/27 Gold Memberships within the first three full days of going on sale. We now have limited availability for new Gold Memberships, act now if you wish to upgrade from a Silver or Bronze membership. Click here for more details or click here to secure your spot.
