Lincoln City midfielder Tom Bayliss is hoping he can help his team hit a run of consistency after a convincing 3-0 win over Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.
The 25-year-old joined the Imps from Shrewsbury Town last summer on a two-year deal but has endured an injury-hit campaign thus far. He has made just 20 League One appearances, pitching in with one goal and four assists.
The East Midlands-based side have had a frustrating spell over the last couple of months. It appeared as if they were on course to better last season’s seventh-placed finish during the early stages of the campaign, but they have won just four of their last 19 games to fall to 10th.
Bayliss was back in the starting lineup at the One Call Stadium earlier this week, contributing an assist in what was eventually a resounding win. They host relegation-threatened Burton Albion tomorrow hoping to record back-to-back victories for only the second time since October.
Bayliss Sets Personal Target
Lincoln head coach Michael Skubala has talked about building consistency for a number of weeks now. Despite improved performances, his team have been unable to put together a run of form that would have kept them in the race for the play-offs.
Bayliss’ return to action in December after a long injury lay-off in provided a huge boost, although they have been struck by a number of additional absences in recent weeks. This includes first team stars such as Ethan Erhahon, Jack Moylan and Bailey Cadamarteri.
The midfielder is hoping to fill the void though, saying he is hoping to add more goal contributions to his game to help push the Imps up the table. Speaking to official club media, the ex-Coventry City man said:
“I want goals and assists to be part of my game, I haven’t had too many goals this year but it’s something I would like to add to my game and I want to finish the season strongly with as many numbers as I can get which will only help the team.
“Since I’ve been back from my injury, I’ve been in and out of the team. Now for me it’s about staying in, helping the team and affecting games, and that’s what I’m trying really hard to do. For us now towards the end of the season it’s about collecting as many points as we can and seeing where we finish. It’s been a bit up and down at the minute but consistency will be the key now.”
Writer’s View
There was high hopes for Bayliss when he switched the Croud Meadow for the LNER Stadium last summer. Although it hasn’t gone to plan so far, his recent run of games have shown he can be a quality resource for Michael Skubala. It’s likely he retains his place tomorrow against Burton, especially in the absence of key stars. Lincoln do look a better team with him in it, and he could help them recover some form to push for an unlikely top six finish.
