Lincoln City's Youth Team welcomed visitors from Ireland last week when they played host to Salthill Devon FC Under 19's from Galway.
The Salthill squad were in England as part of a short close-season tour and they made the trip from Leeds last Tuesday afternoon to play the young Imps. They included a number of players who have already represented their country at Under 18 Schoolboy level, attracting attention from a number of English clubs along the way.
City's Youth staff used the game as an opportunity to include many of the Under 16's who have been offered scholarships for 2013-14, as well as look at a number of other triallists as they look to complete the line up for next season's Under 18 squad.
And despite the friendly nature of the fixture, the game itself proved extremely competitive. Trailing 2-0 at half-time the young Imps showed tremendous spirit against their older opponents and second half goals from Jordan Thomas, Kieran Helsdown and Cenk Acar secured a fine comeback and a 3-2 victory.
Lincoln City FC would like to thank Canwick Golf Club for their fine hospitality after the game. Both clubs now hope to be able to build on this fixture, and Lincoln City's Under 15 squad have already been invited to take part in a summer tournament in Mayo, Ireland in August. If anyone would like to support this trip through sponsorship, or find out how else you can support the Imps youth department, please email futureimpsfund@redimps.com.
Pictured exchanging shirts before the game are Salthill Devon FC skipper Jason Murphy, coach Mike Quirke, Team Manager Brian Laffey, Chairman of Lincoln City's Youth Board Roger Bates, Academy Manager Grant Brown, Youth Team Coach Damian Froggatt and Imps skipper Jordan Thomas.
