Ipswich boss Lambert defends making 10 changes for Lincoln FA Cup clash

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2019 by PA

Ipswich manager Paul Lambert defended changing his team dramatically following the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Lincoln.

Lambert was happy with his team’s performance despite the 10 changes from the previous game against Rochdale.

Lincoln manager Michael Appleton, in contrast, was disappointed not to have secured his first away win of the season.

Lincoln opened the scoring through Tyler Walker in the 37th minute followed by a precise finish by Andre Dozzell for Ipswich to level the score.

Lambert said: “The penalty save was a big moment. First half we never got going, second half we were much better.

“We changed the system a little bit and grew stronger and stronger and got a great goal ourselves and obviously the penalty save was a big, big moment.

“I trust the guys. Football has totally changed and everybody has a role to play and I am happy with the team and I don’t have any regrets.

“Some guys have not played for a couple of weeks and others have come back from injury which is good.

“It was a difficult game. They played a really strong side that’s been playing most of their games but the second half was good.

“We changed the system second half and looked more like ourself.”

Lambert also had praise for the goal scorer Dozzell, saying: “It was a great goal. He was getting better in the second half and was dictating the play. He was excellent. He is a big talent and he was the one who was dictating the speed of the game.

Lincoln boss Appleton felt it was not a fair result.

He said: “We should have had a penalty in the first half and missed a penalty in the second half and their keeper has had to make a few decent saves and I’m disappointed but it was good experience for the younger players in the team which I’m sure they enjoyed apart from not getting through but we are still in the hat.

“We could potentially play in the next round if we are lucky enough to get through.

“There is a little bit of added spice to the replay. Today from us it’s one of those where we have done enough in the game and the players are disappointed rightly so but I keep reminding them that it’s another opportunity round the corner and the fact that it’s at home. We have done well at home of late and there’s good history on our side.

“I was delighted that we didn’t cave in when they scored and the chances that we did create and could have been quite easily for the side to cave in with the crowd getting behind them.

“But the lads were resolute and went down the pitch and created a few more opportunities.”