Adam Watts is back in action as Lincoln City gain another pre-season victory
Lincoln City defender Adam Watts felt he "made a massive step forward" in his race to be fit for the League Two season last night.
The centre-back played an hour of the Imps' 2-0 friendly victory at Blue Square Bet South outfit Bishop's Stortford in his first game since breaking his leg in February.
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Adam Watts.
Watts produced an assured performance in the heart of City's back four, as the Imps' pre-season preparations continued to show encouraging signs.
It is too early to tell whether Watts will be available for the League Two curtain-raiser at Rotherham on August 7, but he was pleased just to pull on an Imps shirt again.
"It is always nice to be back after injury although it is not the most comfortable at the moment," said Watts.
"As the game went on it did get better but the break at half-time did me no favours because my leg just stiffened up.
"But I still played 60 minutes and it is a massive step forward for me.
"Mentally there are always one or two doubts at the back of your mind which is what I expected, you just have to try to forget about it and keep on going."
Watts' return was one of several positives for Imps manager Chris Sutton as his side recorded their third straight pre-season victory.
A first half strike from Cian Hughton put the visitors in front, before Andy Hutchinson's glancing header in the second half wrapped up the victory.
There was still time, however, for Drewe Broughton to sky a penalty over the bar.
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by josh, lincoln
Saturday, July 24 2010, 8:17PM
“Lincoln, a team on the verge of relegation out of the football league last season aren't going to get anywhere signing players on loan every season from premier league clubs under chris sutton its about time they gave some of the local youths a game and andy hutch showed he could perform against bradford at 17yrs. Give hutch and adams a go against cup opposition at first and see how they perform without massive pressure.
Shouldn't have appointed sutton if he didint like the players at the club, andy was just getting in to the first team under previous management, and since has lost his place to youngsters from clubs such as villa and fulham who are no longer here. Desperate to get into football management and took over a club for his own personal gain.
Club needs stability for 2-3 seasons to then push on for promotion.”
by MacImp, Branston
Wednesday, July 21 2010, 9:22PM
“I should have witten whether. I have to agree with Alex about Sutton and Jackson. Can't wait till Saturday!”
by Alex, Lincoln
Wednesday, July 21 2010, 9:16PM
“I'd rather a manager be honest and prepared to take criticism for his views on the youth players (Sutton), than a manager handing out first team places to youths who clearly aren't good enough here there and everywhere (Jackson)”
by GrannyImp, Grantham
Wednesday, July 21 2010, 6:50PM
“Is Shane Clark still ours or just hanging on? I see he got 30 mins last night as right back. In response to those having problems with the Youth players - one thing is for sure Sutton wanted a hand on the team and he wants to see improvements. In addition to that whilst I am sure he handed some harsh words out to those 17yr olds that needed a kick it is good news for those that he has given 6 months to because lets face it they could have been out on their backsides and trying to get a job at Lincoln Utd or similar clubs. Lets see what Hutch, Adams and Miller can do by Jan 2011.”
by MacImp, Branston
Wednesday, July 21 2010, 6:03PM
“There are some fans who believe that being local and/or coming through the youth system should entitle players to a place ein the first team. Unfortunately, the reality is if you're good enough yuo will play and if you're not you won't, no mater how nice a bloke you are or how hard you work. It's just a fact. I suspect that some who don't make the first team become the 'reliable source' or 'good authority' who spread the anti-Sutton rumours. I don't care weather Sutton is a nice bloke or not and neither do the players if they are developing their skills and careers.”