City U18 travel to Platt Lane Sports Complex on Saturday to take on Rochdale U18 in the EFL Youth Alliance (12noon KO).
Hear from head coach Sam Tillen and striker Dan Vanderpuye as well as important match information in this preview.
Sam Tillen’s thoughts:
[On Denny Oliver making the bench] “It was great, well deserved. I think he’s been a focal point of our play since I took over in January and he’s been a very consistent performer over that period of time. It’s down to him now to continue to be consistent and try to put himself in Michael Skubala’s gaze, and to get around the first team as much as possible to give him an opportunity to pursue his career at Lincoln.
“We need to make sure our levels and performances are consistent and make sure we’re there at the end of play on Saturday and continually going forward, trying to be at the top end of the table.
“Rochdale are a good side, I’ve seen them play. They’ve got a nice shape to them, both defensively and offensively. It’ll be a good test for us, they’ve got some good players and look well drilled and structured. I’m hoping the lads will put in a good performance and hopefully we can get something from the game.”
Dan Vanderpuye ahead of Rochdale:
“We haven’t really conceded many goals - that’s a good foundation for us to build on throughout the season. Usually if we score we’ll win the game at times, especially with Charlie Parks too.
“Hopefully we can continue to be up there in the league and try to go a long way in the cups.”
A look at the opposition:
After a change to the format in the EFL Youth Alliance, City face a number of new sides in the 24/25 campaign, including Saturday’s hosts, Rochdale.
The Dale have started the season well, especially in the league, with just one defeat in six games so far giving them a healthy position within the top four of the division. They beat Huddersfield Town away from home in their last league outing and have since got themselves another win in the Youth Alliance Cup against Shrewsbury Town.
Match information:
Sam Tillen’s high flying young Imps return to league action hoping to extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
Supporters will be able to keep up to date with the game with updates available from our Academy X (formerly Twitter) account.