Imps have 'work to do' over break - Skubala

Freddie Draper of Lincoln City vies for possession with Jamie Grimes of Chesterfield

Lincoln City's opening EFL Trophy defeat by League Two side Chesterfield has left the Imps with "work to do" over the international break, says boss Michael Skubala.

A second-half goal from winger Connor Cook earned the Spireites victory against their League One hosts in Northern Group G on Tuesday.

Skubala says his side lost their way after the break.

"I thought in the first half we played well, putting the ball into the box, making them defend and getting around their sides. We were effective and moved the ball through them very quickly," Skubala told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

"In the second half, we didn't look like ourselves. We had some possession but didn't put them under enough pressure.

"We have a lot of work to do in that regard, especially when we don't score - we need to stay focused."

Skubala made seven changes to his side after Saturday's 1-0 league victory at Stevenage and admits the number of changes resulted in a "clunky" performance.

"Sometimes that's the nature of having changes and new players out there, as it can disrupt the rhythm a little bit," Skubala said.

The international break means Lincoln are not in action again until Saturday, 14 September when they travel to Peterborough.

While players will be granted time off, the Imps boss said the defeat has exposed areas in their attack that need attention.

He said the team lacked ruthlessness.

"We lacked that in the first half when we got around them and to finish it off and to get a goal changes it. I think second half we didn’t show any ruthlessness at all really," he said.

"We have to make sure we keep on working, definitely in the final third."

Lincoln are currently fourth in the League One table with nine points from four games.