This is non league.

A much improved performance from the Imps on Saturday not just because a badly needed win was secured but because David Holdsworth seems to have the team on the right wavelength. They seemed more focussed, determined and more savvy. Until the end they seemed much more solid at the back and when the Barrow goal came it was just a consolation. Had they scored earlier it might have been a different story.

Here are my thoughts.

A week in, Holdsworth delivers the goods.




All we ask really, as fans, is to go along to Sincil Bank, pay our money or hand in a season ticket voucher, maybe have a pint or three and watch the Imps, whilst trying to keep it tight at the back, have a good old go at the opposition. The result of that may be win lose or draw, that’s not the issue but so many times City have not given the impression that they are the home team at all. Then the fans get the blame for not getting excited enough. On Saturday, quite the opposite.

City started with not one player from last season on the pitch, the new signings straight into the team. That was needed to be honest. City started like a train, the second half not so much but their goal survived till near the final whistle when it was breached, do they do it on purpose just to keep the interest there?

David Holdsworth promised industry, it didn’t take long to achieve that. What wasn’t expected, not by this writer at any rate was the quality of football, it wasn’t kick and rush, not by any means although the Barrow keeper was soon flat on his back as City announced their intentions but there was plenty of passing allied with a “in your face” belligerence, so lacking previously. In short, City finally found their feet in non league football. In turn, the crowd responded, the band played, bit like the old days and the team went off to a round of applause, talk about unaccustomed as I am!

David Holdsworth has declared that the players are not fit enough, which conclusion we could have all come to, at least those that were present in the FA Cup reverse when City were out muscled by a part time team. Just when they could do with keeping up the momentum, a week off for the first round proper. No rest for the players though, they will be put through some lung bursting fitness regimes including an army training exercise session.

City fans have shown time and again they still have an interest in their football team but they have stopped coming to Sincil Bank in numbers in response to the paltry fare offered. A few more performances like this should have the turnstiles clicking again, the club desperately needs better gates than they have been getting and hopefully word will soon get around that Sincil Bank is once again becoming a place not of anger and frustration but excitement and anticipation. Well done to the team and the manager.