Master and pupil. Must do better.

Any notions that the Cowley brothers might have lessons to learn from Paul Scholes, as managers at least, were firmly dispelled last night as Lincoln City swept aside Oldham Athletic in as easy a win as they’ve had all season at home.

Not that it looked as if it was going to be easy as Oldham got in to their stride early on leaving City to do the ugly stuff and boy was it ugly, lumping the ball with the wind behind them to the big man, just like everyone says we do.

Eventually though Brazil morphed into Argentina as Athletic decided more muscle was needed and then, am I being unkind? Oldham perhaps displayed the aspect of the game that Scholes had been particularly impressing on his side, tackling. Ouch. Off you go and City found themselves facing ten men.

I did wonder, as the first half wore on, if Matt Rhead had been told to leave it all on the pitch in the first half as he was going off at half time. Danny Cowley seemed to imply it was a bit more off the cuff tactically rather than premeditated in his interview but anyway, City went in at the break ahead thanks to a very well worked goal from Harry Toffolo and a man up. As it happens they used the advantage of a stiff following wind better than Oldham who spent most of the second half launching the ball straight from the goalkeeper into the arms of Matt Gilks.

The second half was a different story as we hoped it might be, I watched a season of moonball and even if the opposition still think we’re playing it we’re not except for when necessary and clearly what was needed against the wind was a deal more guile which was what we got and very pleasing it was too. Seldom have we been treated to such an assured second half and the only slight concern was an opportunity, several opportunities actually, to improve on our goal difference which was inferior to Bury’s but is now equal. It would have been good to put some distance between the two. Five nil wouldn’t have flattered the Imps against ten men and the chances were there but not taken.

However the one that was taken in the second half was a glorious effort from Danny Rowe. Not just a goal, a Danny Rowe goal so we all went home happy. It had been a most enjoyable evening.

I was looking forward to seeing Paul Scholes. I admire any former great prepared to put his reputation on the line and try his hand at management. He would have done well to look to his left, the Cowley brothers animated, alive, thoughtful. Scholes, hood up, hands in pockets. The body language said I’m not sure I want to be here. Quite what Sir Alex might have thought one can only imagine.