Again it was a Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Imps but this time they didn’t capitulate like they usually do and came away with a valuable victory although looking at the whole game, they’ll feel unlucky to win by just the one goal but a win’s a win and there were plenty of positives to take from this performance. Up unti the penalty, we looked very comfortable on the ball and we full value for our lead which in all fairness, could have been 4 or 5 by half time.

Our passing game throughout the game was excellent and it was good to see players take no-more than 2 touches on the ball and find their intended targets. Going forward, we looked like creating a chance easily and that passing will get through a lot tougher defences that Hereford’s (which wouldn’t be hard). Funnily enough, luck wasn’t on our side going forward as we struck the post 3 times and had the majority of other chances either seriously testing the goalkeeper or going just wide of the upright.

Defensive-wise, we looked a solid unit and were forcing Hereford to force their play out to the wings and that limited there chances but when the defence was beaten, Marriott made some fantastic saves. That is until Hereford’s goal, once they got that penalty, the Imps looked like collapsing and if it wasn’t for a referee’s flag, it could easily have turned into a defeat but luckily, that flag did go up and Hereford’s momentum disappeared after that.

On the subject of player performances, there were several players who I criticised on Saturday who put in excellent performances and Amoo definitely fits that category. His effort tonight was unquestionable and his passion almost ended up getting himself sent off before being substituted. Stallard was also highly improved and not just because he scored 2 goals, his distribution was also up to standard and although I still doubt he’ll score even close to 20 goals this season, he could be useful for setting up other strikers goals.

Alan Marriott - 9 - Holy crap, the old Marriott returned. He actually looked like a decent keeper today and made some world-class saves and if he can keep up that form then we might be in for a good season. Still can’t dive the right way for penalties though.

Lee Beevers - 7 - A rock in defence until conceding the penalty but it was consistent throughout the night and put in several decent cross.

Paul Morgan - 7 - Improving and turning into the old Morgan but his lack of command as captain is getting a bit worrying. Did everything he needed to do but needs to be more vocal as captain.

Adie Moses - 9 - It’s a sign of his defensive capabilities that the rest of the defence and Marriott all shout to him before Morgan and rely on him organising the defence. Fantastic defender who could be the difference between a playoff hunt and midtable mediocrity.

Jeff Hughes - 8 - His runs were excellent all night but distribution was a bit poor. However, he was unlucky not to score at least twice.

Paul Mayo - 7 - Had a good mix of long and short balls and put several good cross’ in the box. His temperament needs working on though as he was looking to avoid getting at least a yellow card mid-way though.

Ryan Amoo - 9 - A lot more convincing this time and looked a really good player. Distribution was fantastic and he provided cross’ that almost lead to several goals. Let’s hope he can replicate this type of performance.

Scott Kerr - 9 - This guy has improved so much under the new system and he is a major player in the squad now. The only reason he doesn’t get a 10 is because his set pieces are still crap.

Lee Frecklington - 7 - Still struggling to make an impact but is still playing reasonable well. Unlucky not to score and put several decent cross’ in but his set pieces are almost as bad as Kerr’s.

Mark Stallard - 8 - Lucky with his first goal but his second was really well taken. Distribution was better than Saturday and if he had more luck, he would have easily got his hatrick.

Jamie Forrester - 7 - Seemed knackered again but overall play was good but should have done a lot better with his shots.

Colin Cryan - 7 - Mr Reliable came on as a substitute and did well but not enough time to make a decent impact.

"Always nice to get the first win under our belts, and pleased for schoey. Wonder how loud them boo's were tonight? The Saturday moan club look a bit silly now, although they will be the biggest fans now" Jimmy Blee

"well done to the lads tonight. i was a bit ****ed off after the county game on saturday but a win here is excellent. if anyone comes on when they get back ill be pleased to hear your thoughts on the match and the performance of the players as i couldnt make it to the match. really pleased stallard scored the goals too" RobImp

"although its early days, the style of football we are trying to play will be terrific we get some wins under our belts and the lads are full of confidence. I only heard the highlights and it sounded like Amoo hada positive input down the right. It will be interseting to hear the fans report whow ere there." abebaby