Tillen's pride as U18s reach FA Youth Cup third round

Lincoln City U18 players pose for a group picture after winning at Bolton. They are stood on a green football pitch with seats in the background.

Sam Tillen was full pride after his side booked their place in the third round of the FA Youth Cup with a dramatic late win against Bolton Wanderers.

The young Imps struck in the last minute of normal time to decide the tie, with Denny Oliver firing home to set up a tie with Wrexham at the LNER Stadium in round three.

Tillen said: “I’m very proud of the performance of the players and thought we were fantastic. The attitude and application they showed was testament to all the work they’ve done over the past four months to get us into this position.

“We showed real character going ahead and then to be pegged back in the late stages to respond in the way we did and for Zane to show the calmness to find Denny on the edge of the box was great.”

Tillen praised Dakara Wifa, who scored City’s first two goals, and matchwinner Oliver.

He added: “If you wanted a showcase of Dakara to see what he can do, the type of finishes that he’s got with the left and right foot curling into the far corner.

“There’s such quality with Dakara’s finishes and that was the same with Denny as well. He has got lovely technique and he managed to call on that in the final minutes.”

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