Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala has been delighted with the impact of January loan signing Alfie Lloyd since his move to the Imps.
Having endured a difficult first half of the campaign with League One rivals Leyton Orient, the Queens Park Rangers loanee has excelled in Lincolnshire.
Change Of Scenery
Having spent all of his career in southern England to date, a move to Lincoln has proved beneficial to his development. Formerly of Yeovil Town, Lloyd impressed back in the National League with Eastleigh, following his permanent move to West London. Five goals in 20 fifth-tier appearances saw him trusted with Championship football last term, playing 31 games across all competitions.
An injury-hit first half of the season limited the 22-year-old to just eight appearances at Orient before returning to QPR in January. City moved quickly to take him out on loan after losing Justin Obikwu to the Hoops, following his recall and sale from Coventry City. Despite just 81 minutes of football at the Imps, he has looked lively in those short cameos, none more so than on Saturday. Lloyd wrapped up the Imps sixth straight win against Stockport County, latching onto George Wickens’ assist to score his first goal in red and white.
Skubala, speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, spoke of his joy at the impact Lloyd has made so far during his time with the Imps.
“He’s been outstanding in training, and he’s been brilliant for us when he comes on. He’s a loan player, but he’s one of us.
“The lads have wanted that for ages because he comes on and works so hard. He’s been so eager to get a goal, which you would be as a striker, and it’s been great to see.”
Imps Looked To End Terriers Unbeaten Streak
Despite Huddersfield Town’s inconsistent form, they somehow remain inside the play-off places in League One. That position will be put under threat in the coming weeks, particularly with seventh-placed Stockport County having two games in hand. The atmosphere in West Yorkshire has continued to sour in recent times, highlighted once again during Saturday’s goalless draw at bottom of the league Port Vale.
Fans sang ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’ after another disappointing away day for Liam Manning’s side, but his team have been far better on their own patch this season. Consecutive home losses in October against Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers, during a month where the Terriers lost all three league matches, were the last time that Huddersfield were beaten at the Accu Stadium.
However, Lincoln pose perhaps their toughest test to date, looking to end that 11-match unbeaten streak in West Yorkshire. Huddersfield will need some of their ex-Imps to step up to the task tomorrow evening to stand any chance of getting a result.