Lincoln City got their League One campaign off to a fine start as they beat Accrington Stanley 2-0 at Sincil Bank.

A goal in each half gave the Imps their first win in the third tier for twenty years; Michael O’Connor’s header ensuring they led at the break.

Substitute John Akinde stroked home a nonchalant penalty with less than ten minutes to go after Bruno Andrade had been fouled in the area, securing the win.

It was a strong display by Danny Cowley’s side, with four debutants all playing incredibly well. Bristol City loanee Joe Morrell started in the middle of the park, with Jorge Grant and Jack Payne ahead of him.

Tyler Walker didn’t get off to a scoring start in his first outing for the club, but the overall chemistry between the new players will have given Cowley plenty to ponder on this week.

Here are three things we think he learnt about his players at the weekend.

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The fighting spirit is still there

Fans have been raving about the performance over the weekend, a slick passing game seems to have become the order of the day at Sincil Bank.

However, they won League Two not just by being a good footballing side, but by being solid and having a spirit that saw them refuse to lose.

That spirit is still very evident. Cian Bolger played despite having been up all night with a stomach bug, whilst scorer Michael O’Connor and defender Michael Bostwick had both had limited minutes in pre-season.

The new boys might have got the gasps of awe, but the old guard proved they’re still as reliable as ever.

Tyler Walker changes their patterns

John Akinde was a key part of the club’s rise to League One; his strength ensured they had a valuable out ball and he was asked to hold it up to help start attacks.

Walker is different; he’s livelier in the channels and has an ability to creep into space whilst Akinde had to batter his way in.

He didn’t score, but he did pop up on more than one occasion in the right place. He certainly changes the method by which the Imps will look to get at defences.

Jack Payne is a big signing

Danny Cowley will already know what a huge coup signing Jack Payne was, but if he was in any doubt the former Huddersfield man gave everyone a timely reminder.

He was named as Man of the Match and put in an all-action display, helping to spread the play from left to right, always hoping to drive forward and getting some shots off himself as well.

Payne is going to be crucial this season as the Imps look to establish themselves as a League One force.