Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala was full of praise for attackers Bailey Cadamarteri and Jovon Makama following their dominant 2-0 win over Reading yesterday.
The Imps entered the game on a run of seven league games without a win. This had seen them fall out of the play-off places, but they had an opportunity to move back into the top six against a Reading team still adjusting to life without Ruben Selles.
Lincoln took charge of the affair from the off and took the lead after just eight minutes when Cadamarteri pounced on a loose ball hammer home. It was the Sheffield Wednesday loanee’s third goal in his last three games, taking his season tally up to eight in all competitions.
Reading had Louie Holzman sent off eight minutes before half time after he brought down Ben House when through on goal, leaving the Royals with a mountain to climb after the break. However, they barely had a touch and Reeco Hackett’s smart finish in the 72nd minute sealed the points for the home side.
Skubala Delighted With Attacking Threat
Cadamarteri has had to be patient during his temporary spell at Lincoln. He has been mainly utilised from the bench but has broken into the team over the past few weeks. Following the game, Skubala was full of praise for the 19-year-old:
“Bailey’s getting better outside the box. He’s scoring good goals and he gets on the end of things which is really pleasing, but I thought what was most pleasing about his game on this occasion was the way he pressed with Ben House in the first 15 minutes which shows his tactical understanding is improving.”
The head coach also reserved special praise for Jovon Makama. The academy graduate was a constant thorn in the side of the Reading defence and was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet himself:
“Jovon was electric. Every time he got on the ball he was causing havoc and causing all sorts of problems with getting in behind. He didn’t quite get his goal but it was a really mature performance from him.”
Writer’s View
Lincoln thoroughly deserved their win over Reading and the only criticism you can throw at them is that they perhaps should have scored four or five. Still, after such a barren run, it is the three points that matters. The performances of those in the attacking end of the field was a joy to watch, but Makama deserves special recognition. He has become a figure which divides opinion amongst Imps supporters but he was absolutely superb yesterday. As for Cadamarteri, Lincoln look to have a player capable of hitting close to the 20-goal mark as they hope to earn a place in the play-offs.
