Lincoln City midfielder Tom Bayliss is desperate to turn around the club’s poor form following his return to the starting lineup.
The 25-year-old has suffered an injury-hit start to life at the LNER Stadium. Having arrived in the summer following his exit from Shrewsbury Town, he was a regular fixture of Michael Skubala’s team before picking up an injury in October.
His absence coincided with the Imps downturn in form. During his spell on the sidelines, Lincoln won just three of 12 league fixtures, a spell in which they have not yet recovered. Having been a prominent part of the play-off picture for the opening months of the campaign, the East Midlanders now find themselves down in 12th, nine points off the top six.
Bayliss started his first game since early October on Saturday, with Lincoln earning a 0-0 draw with Stevenage. Although it was a result that disappointed the home fans, it was their first point in four games, having lost their previous three outings.
Bayliss Thrilled To Return To The Team
Speaking to official club media following the game, the former Coventry City man revealed his delight to return to starting action:
“I’ve had to build myself up to play games again and it’s great to be back out there with the lads – now I want to help the team as I build back to full fitness.”
Although it was just a point, Lincoln had a glorious chance to win the game in the dying minutes when attacker Jovon Makama blasted over from close range with the goal at his mercy. Bayliss believes that is just their luck at the moment, although stated the squad are working hard to put things right:
“The fans are going to be anxious because we haven’t won many games recently. We can only show what we are trying to do on the pitch to keep them behind us.
“I thought their support in the second half was really good. They kept us going and we had a really big chance at the end, but at the minute that’s not dropping for us. We need to work hard and turn it around.”
Writer’s View
The impact of Bayliss’ injury earlier in the season has been understated by many. Having been a regular fixture of the side prior to the setback, Lincoln lost just once in nine games in League One. Compare that to his absence, where they won just three times in 12, it’s clear to see the impact he has on the team. The result against Stevenage may have been viewed negatively by supporters, but it’s no coincidence that his return to the starting lineup ended a run of three successive defeats.
Head of Writing
