Lincoln City turned in a fine 2-0 victory against Sunderland this weekend to get Michael Appleton's career as manager up and running.

After overseeing two defeats, against Blackpool (2-1) and Manchester United Under 21s (1-0), the Imps were in desperate need of three points against Jack Ross' side. In front of a record 10,200 fans, they managed to grab a goal in both halves to steady the ship after a turbulent month.

Having lost manager Danny Cowley to Huddersfield, the Imps slipped from the top two into the middle of the pack and boasted just one win in 11 over a run stretching back into their former manager's reign.

With Peterborough and Portsmouth their next two away games, a win was needed to ensure they remained in touch of the top six.

Nottingham Forest loanee Tyler Walker was the hero of the hour, he nipped in ahead of Jon McLaughlin for the opening goal in the first half, before converting Bruno Andrade's cross in the second period.

He missed a penalty in the middle of those goals and had another goalward-bound effort deflect off Jack Payne and wide.

It was a loud afternoon in Lincoln with both sets off fans vocal, but only one group came away happy. Not only did they get their win, but they learnt plenty about their manager and their side as we examine below.

Experience is the key

One player who wasn't expected to start for the Imps was midfielder Michael O'Connor. He's been in and out of the side this season, despite starting strongly.

He began ahead of Callum Connolly this weekend and didn't disappoint with an all-action display that added some strength to the middle of the park for Lincoln.

His experience was vital in preventing Sunderland from getting a foothold in the game and fans will have been concerned to watch him limp off halfway through the second period.

More attacking formation

Under their former manager, Lincoln played either a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-3-1 depending on the opposition. Often, the one player up top was left ploughing a lone furrow, battling two defenders and trying desperately to feed on scraps.

This weekend Michael Appleton kept to a 4-4-2, partnering Jack Payne with Tyler Walker and tasking him with dipping into midfield as well as getting around the Forest loanee.

It certainly worked, the Imps looked a threat whenever they poured forward and Walker benefitted from the body around him.

Revitalised Andrade

Bruno Andrade was excellent all afternoon and after beginning the season on the bench, he looks to have developed significantly.

Last season he was a threat but often went to ground easily, but he's got strength and energy about him this time out. He was hauled down for the penalty, but not before getting around De Bock despite being manhandled.

It's a really positive change for the former Woking winger and one the Imps will benefit from massively.

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