A strange game, where the story was told by changes. Lincoln made smart changes in the 2nd half that brought them right back into it, and I questioned what was taking Duff so long.
He brought on Fink, who had a point to prove, and he doggedly chased down a ball to get the decisive corner.
Lincoln fans are right to be annoyed at the winning goal. Its a fairly poor ball that should’ve been simply cleared. Brilliant from Jack to follow it all the way.
The real mark of Duff is how hes improved every player. Fred, Casey, Henderson, and Woodrow (who had a brilliant first half) in particular have blossomed.
My argument at the time was it was far too early to make such a statement. And the form since has shown how ridiculous it was to say that. Far too early in the season.
What a difference experience makes! Duff left it awhile but the changes stopped Lincoln and allowed us to get a foothold.
Game of two half’s really. We dominated the first and they the second.
Sam Bell is a joy to watch. Be great if we can sign him. The permanent signings are improving under Duff significantly, though I still think we need a better centre back, CDM and striker.
Can see why they are up there. This league seems to be very even at the minute. Be interesting to see who the three of four teams that go on a run from Xmas will be. Suspect it will be Bolton, Stockport, Cardiff and hopefully us.
Quality seems a lot lower than last season or maybe teams are just more evenly matched.
Suspect this could be a low scoring season for 6th place.
Woodrow has not scored in 3 games. He just wasnt in the box when Fred needed him there to serve today. It was a few times too, and he was way off with the couple of attemps at goal . I think Fink has more speed and possibly a bit more precise ,would like to see Duff give him more time.
He drifted in the 2nd when Bradley and the other CB started to get close and beat him to long balls. In the first half we was brilliant at dropping deep with an instant control, and then picking off great passes.
For a very specific moment in time, my favourite will always be “Mooney, what’s the score, Mooney Mooney what’s the score?” Sung from the terrace after his last-minute goal against Swindon, whose fans had sung it at him for 90 minutes while they were 1-0 up.
That was cathartic! My last visit to HP12 concluded with a perfect view of Captain Jack heading the ball into our empty net for Exeter; a scene that has haunted my dreams ever since.
To score that late goal today, sinking the league leaders, in front of that same Terrace… it was just the tonic to banish the night terrors! Fred coming on at the final whistle to celebrate with him was the shizzle.
Ninety-five days and an ocean apart, the difference in the result and the resulting emotion minutes after a goal from our current longest serving player is phenomenal.
Six points off top was unimaginable back in August, now a squad boasting the best form in the league has the belief to knock a strong Lincoln side off the top of the table.
Footy’s a funny old game… so glad to be a wandering Chairboy today, COYB!
It’s not just about experience it’s more about ability! B’ham Ciry had an equally inexperienced coach last season and won the league. Plenty of bang average experienced coaches out there.Duff is clearly very good.
What a match. The players look like they know their roles, know the system and are enjoying themselves. Real heart to get the win after Lincoln made some very good adjustments second half.
Doddsball was just a fever dream. Duffball is the future.
I’d go further. Not a single player improved under Dodds. A number of players who looked average at best under Dodds look excellent under a quality manager like Michael Duff.