Michael Skubala wants the Imps to learn from Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup exit - feeling his side should have never let the tie go to extra-time.
Erik Ring’s stunning solo goal gave City the lead at Salford, but the in-form home side drew level deep in time added on before edging the penalty shootout.
Head coach Skubala said: “We could have controlled the moment before their equaliser better and it shouldn’t have gone to extra-time and penalties.
“We didn’t start well enough. When we got that intensity back we got the goal and on top of things, our rhythm was interrupted by some enforced changes. You could see how tired both teams were in extra time, and the penalties could have gone either way.
“We never got into our stride for long enough periods or looked like ourselves, and this is a lesson that if you’re not quite at it the results look different to what you want.“
Skubala elevated goalsorer Ring to the starting XI after some impressive performances in training, and was rewarded with a spectacular strike which saw him collect the ball in his own area before waltzing past several defenders and slamming home.
The head coach added: “In training he has been absolutely on it and I wanted to give him a chance.
“I believe in Erik and what he can do - and fans saw that with his performance out there. It was a great goal.”
Adam Jackson returned from a groin injury to feature in the match for the Imps. He said: “We’re frustrated and gutted about how it went, not so much the penalties as conceding the late equaliser.
“All the lads were really happy for Erik Ring to get his goal as he’s not had much game time, but he showed what he can do.”
