Grimsby Town 2, Lincoln City 1

Following a narrow defeat at Blundell Park the Imps are looking forward to another pre-season test – this time in front of a home crowd.

City will take on West Bromwich Albion ay the LNER Stadium this Saturday after learning lessons in the 2-1 defeat to Grimsby Town where Reeco Hackett scored the visitor’s only goal after coming on as a second half substitute.

After getting some more much needed minutes under the belt the winger was keen to stress that the team are in a good place as they approach the opening game of the Sky Bet League One season.  

“It’s another game in pre-season done and another step closer to beginning the campaign,” said Hackett. 

“The boys are in a great place and feeling good fitness-wise. We’ve got a game against West Brom on Saturday and then it’s full focus on that first game against Reading.  

“You build up your minutes through pre-season to ensure that you’re ready to play 90, so coming off the bench I felt fresh and had plenty in the tank.  

“West Brom on Saturday will be a different test, we’ve played some good sides already in pre-season and I feel like that will be stepping things up another notch, we’re looking forward to it.  

As well as feeling in good physical condition ahead of the new season, Hackett believes City are in a good place in terms of competition for places.  

“There’s plenty of competition for places right through the team, especially in those forward positions, which is what you need," he added.

“Everyone is in a good place and we all know that if we’re not ‘at it’, there’s someone pushing for your place.”  

Like Hackett, head coach Michael Skubala is also looking forward to City’s final pre-season test against West Bromwich Albion at the LNER Stadium on Saturday 26 July.  

Skubala challenged his players to build on their positive second half performance at Blundell Park.  

“I felt in the second half we looked a lot better. We played on the front foot, got balls in their box and generally looked more threatening. It’s pre-season, we all know that, but we’re striving to keep improving," he said.

“We’ve got another test next Saturday before our season gets under way against a West Brom side who I felt were unlucky not to get in the play-offs last season. 

“We know West Brom will cause us problems, but that is what we want from a game against an opposition like that.  

“It’ll be good to get back to the LNER Stadium to play in front of our home fans again and test ourselves against a good side.” 

Picture: Vaughan Photography

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