Mansfield Town 0, Lincoln City 2
Tom Bayliss says the unity in the City squad was evident in Saturday’s win over Mansfield Town with his goal sealing the victory.
The midfielder struck in time added on to secure Saturday’s 2-0 win, following Rob Street’s penalty in the first half.
Bayliss (pictured above) said: “Every player wants to start games, but if you don’t then you want to have an impact off the bench. The lads have been brilliant while I was injured, so I’ve had to be patient but it was great to cap it off with a goal.
“The gaffer made it clear that we wanted to send the fans home happy. I lost it a bit when I scored and it was a special moment.
“Every win is important at the moment - the lads had to dig deep and our togetherness and fight shone through. We’ve got quality throughout the pitch and everyone knows their job.”
City had dominated the play in the first half, but it wasn’t until three minutes before the break that Jack Moylan was tripped in the box for City to be awarded a penalty.
Street stepped up and slotted the ball past Liam Robert who dived the right way but could not stop the City’s man’s eighth goal of the season.
Nigel Clough’s men pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but City withstood the pressure and sealed the three points in the 95th minute.
In a counterattack substitute Dom Jefferies raced to the left byline and passed it into the path of the onrushing Bayliss, who converted from close range.
Head coach Michael Skubala (below) hailed his 'special group' of players who extended their unbeaten Sky Bet League One run to 16 matches at the One Call Stadium.
“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 couner-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."
Attendance: 9,050 (1,649 away).
Pictures: Vaughan Photography
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