Lincoln v Gillingham - Player Ratings - Written by Lewis Browning


Starting XI:


Jack Bonham: 7 - Gets a seven for his match-saving stop from Anderson’s header, but his poor kicking is starting to become an issue. Was almost caught out when he booted the ball at the back of Hopper early on, however was saved by his centre halves. Put Ehmer under unnecessary pressure with a short pass not long after, too. Did what he had to do to keep the ball out of the net, however, and secured another good clean sheet.


Barry Fuller: 5 - Looked a bit slow and his inability to get far forward down the right, perhaps due to age, can be frustrating. When compared to Eardley and Edun of Lincoln, he’s not as, let’s say, athletic. As always, however, he made light work of the Lincoln forwards, which we know we will get.


Max Ehmer: 7 - Dealt with the tough conditions really well. Had to head plenty; he didn’t always get said headers right, but he did what he had to do. Kept the ball out of his goalkeeper’s net and was smart positionally. Has formed a really nice partnership with Tucker.


Jack Tucker: 7 - Caught on the ball a couple of times early on but, like Ehmer, dealt with the conditions really well. Had to put with plenty of pace from Lincoln in the first half, but mopped up what he had to in the second period and, ultimately, put in another good showing.


Connor Ogilvie: 6 - Defensively solid again and got forward well. Should maybe put crosses in earlier on occasions, but his long throw was an asset again. Aerial ability important, too, as he is and was able to cut out cross field balls in the air more often than not.


Alfie Jones: 7 - Was extremely solid on his first start after injury. It’s clear we’ve missed him, and he’ll leave a big hole in the summer when he returns to Southampton. Maybe went long a little too often, but he helps play tick over when he feels he can and provides a very stern protection for the back four. A key cog of this defensive unit.


Stuart O’Keefe: 7 - Got about, as he always does, but put a good shift in out wide as well, particularly in the second half. Is maybe still getting up to speed following injury, which is more than likely why he was taken off so early, but he’s extremely important to the side and it’s good to see him out there.


Tom O’Connor: 6 - Could’ve been better on the ball at times but his versatility was key as he often had to cover Ogilvie when Lincoln doubled up out wide. His corners need better consistency - one will be a beauty and the next will hit the first man - but his crossing was certainly an advantage.


Oliver Lee: 5 - Pretty anonymous in his first start since injury. Tried to get on the ball and make things happen but was sometimes a little over-ambitious in what he was trying to do, meaning a number of passes went astray. Still getting up to pace for sure.


Brandon Hanlan: 4 - Far from his best and attacks seemed to break down whenever he had the ball at his feet. Perhaps tried to hold off and back into defenders too often; opportunities were there for him to use his pace which he didn’t always utilise. Continues to be a nuisance, however, and ended up getting Edun sent off at the end.


Jordan Roberts: 6 - Doesn’t look as confident when not playing with Akinde, but still put in a solid shift. Got a nasty injury in the first half before being subbed in the second, for which he may consider himself a bit unlucky. Has a very good left peg.


Subs:


John Akinde: 7 - Didn’t get too involved in the end but his presence alone and the noise his introduction brought from the fans changed the game. Needs to get about more, although that’s probably not easy given his size. Good with the ball at his feet and an aerial threat.


Jordan Graham: 7 - Has been mighty impressive since joining on loan from Wolves in January. Works hard, has his head screwed on, and can whip a ball in from anywhere. His pace and trickery gave a different dimension to the game, and he maybe should’ve come on earlier. Was on hand to remind the referee how to do his job late on, too, when the man in charge forgot he’d already booked Edun. Very unfortunate he doesn’t fit into our best system.


Regan Charles-Cook: 6 - Deservedly got more than a few seconds on this occasion. Showed positivity and good agility before almost getting put in a coma by Bostwick late on. Surely has to be pushing for a start.