Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton has insisted that his players must put their recent defeat to Gillingham behind them when they face Ipswich Town in the FA Cup on Wednesday at Sincil Bank.

The Imps, who are currently 17th in the League One standings, were extremely underwhelming at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium last Saturday.

Outclassed throughout the clash by Gillingham, a goal from Mikael Mandron in the first-half clinched all three points for the hosts.

Given that Lincoln only managed to register one shot on target during this particular clash, Appleton will be hoping that his side can deliver a response against the Tractor Boys.

Having been held to a draw by Ipswich in the FA Cup earlier this month, the Imps could potentially knock Paul Lambert's side out of the competition for the second time in two years on Wednesday in their first round replay.

In 2017, Lincoln secured a shock 1-0 victory over the Tractor Boys in the third round thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Nathan Arnold.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (as cited by LincolnshireLive), Appleton said: "I'm not one for looking back [at their clash with Gillingham], what's the point?

"You've got to look forward.

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"It'll only affect that happens on Wednesday if we spend too much time talking about Saturday.

"Since I've been here the performances have been really good and I've been pleased with them.

"Yes, a couple of results haven't gone our way.

"Did I see Saturday coming?

"No.

"But you've got to move on pretty quickly."

The Verdict

When you consider just how poor Lincoln were against Gillingham, they will have to step up their performance levels if they are to have a chance of overcoming Ipswich on Wednesday.

Whilst the Tractor Boys are likely to field a weakened side due to the fact that a number of their players are on international duty, the Imps cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

Providing that Lincoln can secure an eye-catching victory over Ipswich, they could use the momentum gained from this result to push on over the coming months under the guidance of Appleton.