Youths start season with a draw...
After a promising pre-season which included nine friendlies and featuring the visit of Arsenal, the Youth Team travelled to neighbours Scunthorpe Utd for their first Youth Alliance league fixture of the season on Friday and claimed a fully deserved point with an excellent performance.
The Imps were made to work hard during a frantic opening 10 minutes which saw the hosts pressing high up the pitch. But Lincoln’s youngsters gradually began to control midfield with Andy Wright, Josh-Barr Rostron and Sam Fewkes combining with some neat passing and showing composure on the ball as the hosts continued to press.
Scunthorpe threatened the box with some dangerous crosses but Lincoln's back line of Marlon Grundy, Jordon Cooke, Connor Griffin and Mason Love coped well, and the full backs continued to threaten in the opposition half.
Jordan Harper and Kieran Helsdown looked threatening on the break and the Imps nearly converted a swift counter attacking move which started from goalkeeper Henry Smith but the danger was cleared on the line.
Jenk Acar then forced a fine save from the home goalkeeper and Lincoln had a strong end to the half with Acar again putting a dangerous ball across the box which led to the ball being cleared off the line.
Just minutes into the second half and Scunthorpe took the lead. A back pass from Griffin was misjudged by Smith leaving Iron's Kyle Wootton an empty net. But Lincoln's response was excellent, taking the game to the hosts and creating chances for Helsdown and Acar but the Scunthorpe keeper made good saves.
Another quick counter attack brought the equaliser for the Imps when Harper cut inside on his left foot and slid a fine pass into Acar who slotted past the on-rushing keeper. Full backs Love and Grundy both saw efforts just off target and Helsdown’s header was blocked on the line, while Smith made two brilliant saves for the Imps.
This entertaining opening fixture finished in a draw and the young Imps now look forward to the visit of champions Bradford City at Ashby Avenue on Tuesday 19th August, 12 noon kick off.
Team: Henry Smith, Marlon Grundy, Mason Love, Sam Fewkes, Jordon Cooke, Connor Griffin, Jordan Harper, Andy Wright, Kieran Helsdown, Jenk Acar, Josh Barr-Rostron. Subs not used: Lewis Millington, Richard Walton, Liam Harris, Leon Loftus, Calum Stewart.