Barnsley 4, Lincoln City 3

City head coach Michael Skubala was pleased with fighting spirit his side showed in a seven-goal thriller against Barnsley.

But the Imps’ comeback fell short at Oakwell despite scoring three goals in to provide high octane drama for the supporters in the second half.

Skubala made four changes in the trip to the Tykes. Lewis Montsma, Ethan Hamilton, Tom Bayliss and Freddie Draper returned to the XI in place of Jovon Makama, Sam Clucas, James Collins and the suspended Paudie O'Connor. 

Second half strikes from Tendayi Darikwa, Reeco Hackett, and Jovon Makama in an entertaining game gave Skubala's side hope of a point at Barnsley, but the hosts held on to edge out a dramatic match 4-3.

Skubala said: "The performance in the last 35 minutes is what we want to look like and what the fans want it to look like, we can't let it get to being 3-0 down. 

"We were too passive in the first half, but we had to show character in the second. We gave ourselves too much to do at the end." 

City's head coach praised the 1,217 travelling supporters and emphasised their importance. He said: "I thought the fans were magnificent and that pushed us on. The fans were brilliant and got behind us.

"We want to drive that and give the fans something to shout about. They can help us create an atmosphere on Tuesday night."

Skubala was pleased with the impact that his substitutes had as the Imps chased the game. 

He added: "Jovon Makama and Reeco Hackett got at the back four and changed the game. Joe Gardner looked young and exciting.

"How the game ended is how we wanted it to look at the start. Our structure was strong and we looked threatening. That takes individuals' actions to be able to do that."

City return to the LNER Stadium on tomorrow night when Crawley Town are the visitors and will be making a bid to escape the relegation zone.

Picture: Vaughan Photography 

www.weareimps.com