A dominant performance from City’s U18s secured a 5-0 win over Hartlepool U18 at the Barrett Steel Stadium.

Lincoln started with a high intensity and did not drop it for the duration of the 90 minutes. The first chance of the game fell to Bola Okewoye in the 7th minute after good work by Zane Okoro on the wing, with Okewoye seeing his shot go just over the bar.

City then opened the scoring on the 11-minute mark, with Russell Berko slipping the ball into the net following a deflected effort from Okoro.

Hartlepool struggled to get a foothold in the game with the young Imps doubling their lead in the 34th minute. A loose backpass was intercepted by Berko, who played the ball into Julian Donnery who finished well after rounding the Hartlepool keeper.

HT: Lincoln City 2-0 Hartlepool United

Lincoln started the second half in the same manner as the first, with Kelly Fombad seeing an effort fly just wide of the post quickly after the break.

The game then entered somewhat of a quiet spell, which was then interrupted in the 66th minute by the young Imps' third goal of the game. Berko broke through the defensive line and grabbed his second.

Just two minutes later, the City would be celebrating again. Kelly Fombad found the bottom right corner from the edge of the box following strong No.9 work by Julian Donnery.

In injury time of the second half, Bola Okewoye was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty for City. Denny Oliver stepped up to convert well, low into the goal.

An overall dominating performance from Sam Tillen’s side to record a well-deserved win.

FT: Lincoln City 5-0 Hartlepool United

LINEUP: Allan, Nesbitt, Fombad, Oliver, Simmons, Carlisle, Berko (off ’68), Lopez (off ’80), Donnery (off ’68), Okewoye, Okoro (off ’68). Subs Perkins (on ’80), Mclean (on ’68), Ford (on ’68), Wifa (on ’68).

Goals: Berko, Donnery, Berko, Fombad, Oliver