United have now won two out of two penalty shootouts they’ve been involved this season, both in the Papa John’s Trophy, with the players holding their nerve to get the job done in what is always a tense situation.
Explaining how the spot kick running order was decided against Lincoln, manager Keith Millen said: “It came down to who felt like their legs were ok, and it’s always good to get a few subs that are a bit fresher.
“I would never make a player take a penalty, it’s how they feel at that moment. They all put their hands up and it was just a case of trying to get the order right.
“You could say we hit the target on all five, because Jon’s smashed back off the bar. The rest of them were excellent.
“I’m delighted, really pleased, because you work so hard and if you don’t win the game after that you’ve got to pick everybody up again. We can now rest, recover and look forward to Saturday.”
Last in the queue, possibly with the most pressure on his shoulders, was local lad Taylor Charters, who struck the ball with power and accuracy to seal the deal for the hosts.
“By doing that it shows he’s got a lot of ability, a great left foot and he’s got confidence in himself,” the gaffer told us. “He’s still got a lot to learn but he’s got a lot going for him as well.
“The keeper had no chance with that and a few others. Brad’s little skip … oh my word … I just said to them all - make your mind up about what you’re going to do as you walk up, it doesn’t matter what the keeper does, keep your head down and focus on what you’re going to do.
“Sometimes the keeper saves it, but don’t let it be because you haven’t taken it with conviction. Mark was unlucky, he got near a couple, but we’re pleased we got through on what was a tough night.
“Winning means a lot for the club, for everyone, yourselves, the fans and hopefully it gives everyone a little bit more of a lift and belief that we’re going in the right direction.
“I only really manage the changing room and players, but I’m also conscious of the atmosphere around the club during games. I want it to be as positive as possible, and it has to be. Nights like this will only help that.
“From a player’s point of view, it has to give them confidence. I keep saying to them, the more you stay in games, it’s the only way you’re going to get the chance of winning one, or drawing one.
“That was perfect on Tuesday, because we didn’t have the possession that I wanted, against a good side, but we stayed in the game, took one of our chances and then won on pens.
“And I think the fans probably quite enjoyed it in the end. They won’t have enjoyed the performance, because Lincoln had a lot of possession, but they also have to understand it’s going to be that way sometimes. If we have key moments in games and we take them, that’s enough.”
