Danny Cowley happy to see Lincoln carry the game to Newport

Posted Wednesday, January 31, 2018 by PA

Danny Cowley had a broad smile on his face after seeing his Lincoln side dispatch Newport 3-1 at Sincil Bank to move up to eighth in the League Two table.

Padraig Amond may have cancelled out Matt Rhead’s opener for the Imps, but further efforts after the break from Matt Green and sub Ollie Palmer swept City to victory as the visitors were brought down to earth following their recent FA Cup exploits.

“It was a good three points against a very good team, so we’re very pleased with the outcome,” said Cowley. “I thought we played very well in parts and started the game very well and it allowed us to get on the front foot. We caused them real problems down the side and we got a lot of crosses in, which led to the first goal.

“We lost our way in the game in the latter part of the first half and we had to address it half-time and came out in the second half so much better, which is credit to the players. Once we went 2-1 up, we had much better control of the game.

“We knew Newport would have been feeling the effects from the Tottenham game, so we thought if we could crank up the treadmill then maybe they would fall off the end, which they eventually did.”

Cowley is hoping to secure some business on transfer deadline day, admitting he is expecting some incomings at Sincil Bank.

He added: “We are really close to signing two players, but there’s still a little bit of work to be done on them. Ideally we want to bring three in as we’ve got a really small squad. It’s a crazy window, so you never know. There may be bids the other way, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Goalscorer Palmer, who was making his 24th substitute appearance of the season said: “It was great to get on the scoresheet and it was good to give us that cushion. I want to be playing football, but I think I’ve had a good involvement, playing in 36 matches. I’d like to start more, but I’ll keep showing him what I can do.”

The six-goal frontman dedicated his goal to young cousin Frankie, who is suffering from bone cancer.

He added: “I just wanted to give him a message, to stay strong and keep fighting.”

Newport boss Michael Flynn was philosphical in defeat, saying: “It was always going to be difficult after Saturday, but the boys have put in an unbelievable effort tonight.

“We just defended poorly and missed a good chance at a key moment. We didn’t have a Cup hangover, we played some really good stuff at times, but we gave away three sloppy goals.

“Lincoln are strong at what they do, but you can’t give away goals like we did, so that was the disappointing thing. We have just got to move on and look ahead to Saturday. The games are coming thick and fast, we have a run of difficult fixtures coming up, with Colchester next and there’s no point in dwelling on this defeat.”