Cowley lauds Lincoln star Frecklington after derby success

Posted Sunday, March 18, 2018 by PA

Boss Danny Cowley felt Lee Frecklington’s moment of brilliance helped decide the Lincolnshire derby in Lincoln’s favour as they beat Grimsby 3-1.

Frecklington scored the opening goal in the 31st minute, volleying home first time from the edge of the box.

That goal was quickly followed by a close-range strike from Matt Green and Scott Wharton’s second in a week.

Ben Davies pulled a goal back from the penalty spot but it proved to be no more than a consolation for the beleaguered Mariners.

“It was a tight game that probably changed on a moment of brilliance from Lee Frecklington,” said Cowley, whose side have now taken seven points from their last three games.

“The corner was cleared to Lee and he showed great control and technique. It was an important goal for us in our season.

“In the first half an hour, we played percentages too much. It was a typically cagey derby game.

“We tweaked things a little which got us playing a bit more and we linked some passes together.

“We had a 15-minute spell where we did very well and we probably won the game in that period.

“We had good control in the second half and restricted them to very few chances. I didn’t feel too threaten.

“They had some territory, which they were going to as they had the strong wind in their favour. But we managed to cope well and defended resolutely.

“Ryan [Allsop], when needed, came out and caught a couple of difficult crosses. Overall, it was a good performance.”

The result left Grimsby in dire trouble just above the relegation zone.

Boss Michael Jolley, who was taking charge of his second game since his appointment, admitted his side’s display was not up to scratch but praised his players’ work-rate.

“I can’t stand here and say I’m happy with that performance,” said Jolley. “We started the game quite well and in the first half an hour we were in the game and had the best chance.

“Then we had a crazy eight minutes or so where they scored three goals. After giving any team a three-goal advantage, it makes it really difficult to get back into the game.

“However, from that moment [after the third goal], we regrouped and tried to get back into the game. We got one goal and in the second half and we changed things to try and create more chances, but we weren’t able to get that second goal which would have given us momentum.

“We knew what Lincoln would do and we spoke all week about how we would deal with that. But it’s one thing to talk about it, it’s another to execute it on a Saturday. But I’m not going to criticise my players.

“It’s a local derby – no-one wants to lose that – but there are some positives to take from it. We have to move on quickly, clear our heads and focus on the next eight games.”