"It was a bit of a knock suffering such a heavy defeat but we have to remember we were still in the game at half time and had no reserves to call upon," he said.
"Training preparation could really affect us this week, but we have made sure to stay positive and have belief. We know we can compete against the top teams.
"Hamilton want to keep marching on and will be a completely different opposition to round one as everyone has stepped up their game.
"But we know we can win. We just have to try our best and stick to a structured and controlled game plan."
Hamilton City Tigers come into the fixture full of confidence after a crushing 62-6 away win over Ngongotaha Chiefs last weekend.
And they lead the league standings on 22 points after 12 games, with a four point cushion over second placed Taniwharau, largely thanks to impressive attacking prowess - scoring 449 points .
"They can be incredibly deadly, mainly because they have very direct, aggressive forward play," said Lingman.
"We have to make sure we compete with every player and stop them spreading the ball out wide.
"We can't let them get a foothold in the game because that is when they could go on the rampage. A lot is at stake for both sides. We need to stay structured and believe in ourselves. It will be mind over matter."
Meanwhile, bottom of the table Ngongotaha Chiefs face fierce opposition for the second week in a row as they travel to take on league high flyers Taniwharau.
Ngongotaha manager Andrew Taylor said the squad had to do a lot of "soul searching" this week after last weekend's heavy home loss.
"Everyone was very disappointed at the club but we know that it was mainly our communication that let us down. And once that goes you don't stand a chance," he said.
"The performance wasn't good enough but we have a great opportunity to redeem ourselves.
"It's these games that should make players out perform themselves and I want to see a much improved display all round."
Tomorrow's games:
Waicoa Bay Premiership
(Kick-off 2.45pm)
Pikiao Warriors v Hamilton City Tigers, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Taniwharau v Ngongotaha Chiefs, Davis Park, Huntly
Otumoetai Eels v Pacific Sharks, Mitchell Park, Tauranga
Turangawaewae v Taupo Phoenix, Patterson Park, Ngaruawahia
United - Bye
Waicoa Bay Reserves
(Kick-off 1pm)
Pikiao Warriors v Hamilton City Tigers, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Taniwharau v Central Lions, Davis Park, Huntly
Otumoetai Eels v Pacific Sharks, Mitchell Park, Tauranga
Turangawaewae v Reporoa Razorbacks, Patterson Park, Ngaruawahia
United - Bye
Bay of Plenty/ Coastline Division 1
(Kick-off 1pm)
Mangakino Hawks v Papamoa Bulldogs, Mangakino Rugby Club, Mangakino
Taneatua Warriors v Putauaki Stags, Taneatua Domain, Taneatua
Tauhara Te Maunga - Bye
