Lincoln manager Cowley pleased to take victory when title rivals not in action

Lincoln manager Danny Cowley was pleased to land the psychological blow of a victory over Yeovil on a night when none of the Imps’ title rivals were in league action.

Lincoln extended their lead at the top of Sky Bet League Two to six points with a 2-0 win.

A first-half brace from Danny Rowe was enough to secure all three points for Lincoln who increased the gap over second-placed Bury, the team they play next on Saturday.

“You’re always looking to land a psychological blow on nights like this when nobody else is playing,” said Cowley.

“You’ll know your rivals will be desperately hoping you drop points and we’re really pleased that, after a long journey, we’re able to come home with all three.

“It was a really important win for us. I thought it was a disciplined, controlled and measured performance. I was really proud of the way we played. We played the majority of the game in their half and scored two good goals.

“Probably the only criticism was second half we could have been more clinical. We had a good few opportunities. That would have allowed us to see the game out more comfortably.

“If you can’t do that make sure you keep the back door shut and we did that. I thought the two centre-halves were magnificent.”

Rowe gave the visitors the lead in the 27th minute when he flicked in a Neal Ardley cross, before doubling his and his team’s tally in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.

“We’ve worked desperately hard to try and get him back in the summer and weren’t able to,” Cowley continued.

“We finally got him back last week. Dan’s got real talent and ability and a little bit of je ne sais quoi at this level that can be the difference.”

Yeovil boss Darren Way admitted that the better team won on the night.

He said: “They had a little bit too much experience for us. We did well until that first goal went in. I explained to our players that our defending had to be the best it’s been all season.

“Overall they’re a very clever team and they’re good at what they do.

“But we kept going. I asked for a clean sheet in the second half which was really important.

“It’s important we stay strong and stick together. I don’t want to be too harsh on the team. It was a tough night and we knew it was going to be against tough opposition.”

Way was disappointed that Lincoln’s Harry Toffolo was not sent off late on after kicking substitute Gabriel Rogers in the head as he stretched for the ball.

“All of us thought it was a red card. As much as you try and help referees they can’t make good enough decisions under pressure,” Way said.

“There’s always that little bit more pressure when it’s in front of the technical area to make that decision but he didn’t make it and that’s disappointing. But I don’t want to use that as an excuse.”