Cowley disappointed with ‘lacklustre’ Lincoln in defeat to Crawley

A downcast Danny Cowley bemoaned a “lacklustre” first half display after Lincoln City’s surprise home defeat to Crawley Town.

The Imps slipped to their first league defeat of the season after Michael Bostwick’s own goal in first half added time, although they remain top of League Two on goal difference from Newport.

City had been second-best prior to the goal and then had skipper Lee Frecklington sent off early in the second half for a rash challenge on Mark Connolly.

The ten men rallied, dominating the remainder of the match, but they couldn’t force an equaliser.

Cowley admitted the disappointing first half showing gave his side too much to do.

“I’m particularly disappointed with our first half performance,” he said. “We were lacklustre and were short of our levels, both physically and mentally.

“Playing into a strong wind, we didn’t get our strategy right, which was frustrating.

“We weren’t brave enough on the ball and didn’t utilise the three-man midfield we had and looked a little bit lethargic and passage.

“They scored just on half-time, which is never a good time to concede, then to lose our captain was very tough for us.

“We played really well in the second half with ten. It’s so frustrating that we played better with ten than we did with 11.

“It took two punches in the face [the goal and the red card] to get ourselves going. We then started to show our energy and intensity to our play.”

Crawley would have impressed new manager Gabriele Cioffi, who was watching from the stand as joint caretaker bosses Jimmy Smith and Felipe Morais took charge for the final time.

“It’s been tough, but when you get a reward like this it makes it all worth it,” said Morais.

“It’s a difficult job to do, especially as a player, but I’ve had Jimmy Smith by my side and ultimately we have done a good job.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the lads. We saw a group of players who played with real heart and determination. It was important to see such a positive reaction after the time we have had.

“The players have done everything we have asked of them over the last two weeks, and we couldn’t be more proud of their desire.

“We’re both just chuffed for the club and for the fans who have made a long trip up here.

“We’re very thorough, myself and Jimmy, that’s who we are as people. We take the game very seriously because a club like ours has so much potential. We don’t do things half-heartedly.

“It’s been tiring for the both of us. There’s been a lot of late nights and many two to three hour conversations to make sure we get things right.”