Akinde has silenced his critics – Lincoln boss Cowley

Posted Sunday, November 04, 2018 by PA

Danny Cowley believes John Akinde silenced his critics with his goal and performance in Lincoln City’s 2-1 win over Forest Green.

The Imps’ record signing received some criticism in the aftermath of the 1-0 defeat at Colchester and hadn’t scored since the 3-0 win at Exeter on September 1.

But he opened the scoring on seven minutes with a brave finish against Forest Green, who levelled five minutes later through Reece Brown.

Despite being on the back-foot for most of the second half, City pinched the three points when substitute Kellan Gordon scored with his first touch 18 minutes from time.

Akinde came off with ten minutes remaining to a standing ovation from the 8,500-strong crowd, which delighted Cowley.

“I was delighted for John because he’s taken a lot of criticism this week,” said Cowley. “I thought he was brilliant today. He was unplayable.

“His hold-up play, the way he ran the channels, the way he occupied two defenders was outstanding. He really deserved his goal. He turned water into wine. It was a great run and a really brave finish.

“That’s what he’s capable of and it was great to see to see the ovation he got at the end, that’s very important to him.

“Although he’s a big bear of a man, he’s still a human being and has feelings. He’s confidence-based and that would have done him a lot of good. It was really deserving and credit to our supporters for giving him that.”

Following a run of three matches without a win, Cowley highlighted the importance of the three points.
“It was a really vital win,” said the Imps boss. “We weren’t at our best today, but it was a massive win for us.”

Forest Green can count themselves unfortunate not to have taken at least a point, but manager Mark Cooper was left ruing “two ridiculous goals”.

“I thought we played really, really well, but you can’t concede two goals like that,” he said.

“We conceded two ridiculous goals and Lincoln defended really well, credit to them for that.

“We created some really good opportunities, including [Reece] Browny’s off the bar [just before half-time], but when you play like that, you’ve got to win.

“I can stand here until the cows come home and tell you how well we’ve played, but we haven’t won.

“However, we do have to take the positives out of it because there were some unbelievable performances from our players. We have to take the positives from that and go again.”

A fierce rivalry has developed between the clubs over the last two years, but Cooper took time to praise the City fans.

“The fans are brilliant here, they really get behind the team,” added the Rovers boss.

“Even when we had all the possession and all the play, they stayed with them and that’s the sign of a good support.”