The Imps Academy suffered a narrow defeat at home to Bradford City after a strong performance at Riseholme.
The City youngsters were undone courtesy of a solitary goal against the run of play in the second half, but despite that disappointment there were plenty of positives to build upon.
The Imps got the game underway and were immediately on the front foot as they put Bradford under early pressure, with a shot Tobias Liversidge forcing blocks from the Bradford defence in the opening five minutes.
However, the best chance of the first half fell to Bradford’s Charlie Wood in the seventh minute who latched onto the end of a teasing cross from the right back to produce a looping header that went just wide of the near post. That chance from the Bantams gave them heart and they grew into the game with some neat build up play which led to a chance for the Bradford number eight from outside the area which brought about a routine save from Sam Long in The Imps' goal.
Despite having less of the possession, The Imps were a threat on the break, which was highlighted when Lewis Inglis’ quick feet earned him half a yard of space before his shot was blocked and right on the stroke of half-time Josh Woodcock’s header from a corner went just over the bar.
The away side restarted play for the second half but it was The Imps controlling the game. Five minutes into the half the Bradford goalkeeper made a stunning reflex save to deny Liversidge the opening goal and produced another decent stop to thwart Inglis.
A goalmouth scramble following a Lincoln corner showed signs that a goal was coming however it was the visitors who broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 69th minute, as the Bradford number eleven delivered an inswinging cross for Charlie Wood, who made no mistake with the header this time around to put his side ahead.
The hosts continued to push forward but the Bradford backline was resolute. A good touch out wide from the Imps created space for a shot which whistled wide, and with the visitors sensing the equaliser they threw everything in front of the ball to was deny The Imps as a swarm of Bradford players got in the way of a late effort in the box to ensure the hosts weren't to get a share of the spoils.
Next up for the Young Imps is the visit of Wrexham in the FA Youth Cup second round at Sincil Bank this weekend. For ticket details CLICK HERE