By Nathan Jackson
December 29 2005

After Wednesday's embarrasing performance, City will have to work hard to earn a midtable place, let alone a playoff place. Although 2 of Grimsby's goals were unstopable, City's lack of urgency and seemingly general lack of effort was the major downfall and it wasn't the first time

Anyone who seriously believes that Yeo will solve our problems is a fool because quite frankly, the strikers aren't the problem. All throughout the season, the strikers have taken the brunt of the blame for City not winning the games, however the defence definatly hasn't been doing their part recently. Last night, a tortoise could have made it from one end of the pitch to the other with the ball and not one Lincoln player would have tried to win the ball back and the way the defence didn't even try to close down the first or third goals, despite how brilliant the finishes are, is quite frankly unforgiveable.

Since the home game against Stockport on 27th September, only twice have we kept a clean sheet yet only 3 times have we failed to score, whatever happened to Keith's attitude of "if we don't conceed, we won't lose", now it seems to be more of a case of "if we conceed, don't care, give up and don't put any effort in because you'll still get paid for playing crap"

There's no question that Grimsby deserved to win last night's match, however, City still would have lost against a Sunday League team last night because quite frankly, neither the effort or passion was there and it's just getting beyond a joke now.

 

 "I haven't said it too often since I've been in charge but for the first half an hour of the game, we were totally outplayed"  (obviously Keith didn't notice we were outplayed for the other hour of the game as well)

"I know 2 of their goals were wonder strikes but we struggled to get into the game. We were poor and I'm not going to make any excuses"

"Sometimes you have to hold your hand up and say you were beaten by the better team"

"An absolutely appalling embarrassing display from a team that didn't want to be there. Slade said afterwards that they didn't have time to prepare for the match. This means that we are now so predictable and inept that teams do not have to do their homework in order to beat us. After the journey that some of us had tonight Keith should issue a public apology and fine the entire team for lack of commitment.
Did we actually put in a meaningful tackle at all tonight? Did anyone actually look to where they were going to pass the ball before they headed/kicked it? Did we ever look threatening? Some fooking hopes!!
The two defences were at opposite ends of the scale. When one of our players was on the ball, he would have three defenders on him immediately (not that they needed it with Asamoah who goes and finds three to run into anyway) while our defenders either got turned, barged off the ball,backed off or stood and watched. (Playing 7-0-3 again?).
We could seriously get shot of at least 9 players in the January sales and not notice the difference.
The only high point tonight was the banter and the singing! The fish and chips tasted of pi$$ funnily enough! Where is my beer?" AgentSmith762

I'm sorry but you were truly awful tonight. Your strike force is almost non-existent, your midfield IS non-existent and the only thing one can say about your defence is they are tall. If that is what you have to watch week in, week out you have my deepest sympathy.

It's hard to believe this is the same team that turned us over last year. It's hard to believe this is the team that reached a play-off final. Apart from a burst of activity in the first ten minutes you were devoid of ideas. In the second half Big Keith reverted to type - hoof it up the middle and pray."

King of the Kippers

 

"It says it all about Lincoln that we didn't even play the well and dominated the game, your defence was the worst I've seen in years and as you say, it'll take more than Yeo to sort out your problems" Dave Parrott, talking to me in the half hour walk back to his house after the game.

 

"A truly awful match, devoid of any interest from start to finish" - Pucinello