A performance full of energy and discipline...
On a chilly November morning at Ashby Avenue the Imps welcomed high flying Scunthorpe United and with second year scholars Marlon Grundy, Josh Barr-Rostron, Kieran Helsdown and Jordan Harper currently on work experience in the Evostik League it was a youthful Imps line-up skippered by Connor Griffin.
Scunthorpe started the brightest, dominating early possession as City looked to get a foothold in the game, but the team stayed resolute without the ball. Gradually the home side grew into the game, typified by the hardworking Liam Harris who stuck to his task of man-marking in midfield which started to allow Sam Fewkes and Andy Wright time to distribute the ball.
City started to regain the ball higher up the pitch forcing Scunthorpe into errors and this pressure paid off as the ball was collected in midfield and Wright jinked his way into the box and calmly slotted home before celebrating in front of the fantastic vocal Lincoln supporters.
Lincoln then dominated the final stages of the half; Lewis Millington raiding into the box and Jenk Acar enjoying a tremendous dual with Iron’s left back, and moments before half time a fine move found Jack McMenemy but he fired straight at the goalkeeper.
The Imps began the second half on the front foot again and were now playing some excellent football. Any Scunthorpe attacks down the wings were stopped by the hardworking partnerships of Mason Love and Millington down the left, and Leon Loftus and Acar down the right.
On the hour mark goalscorer Wright was replaced by Matt Clarke, with Acar moving into the centre of midfield with Clarke echoing the hard work of Acar down the wing. Moments later Scunthorpe’s best chance of the game opportunity went begging as their striker shot wide from close range.
Lincoln's goalkeeper Richard Walton was solid as always, commanding his area and dealing well with every cross into the box, while McMenemy held the ball up excellently allowing the Imps some respite from the visitors’ pressure.
Jordon Cooke headed narrowly over from a corner, Acar’s snapshot was saved and then a brilliant counter attack involving McMenemy, Acar and Millington finally found McMenemy who’s powerful drive was blocked brilliantly on the line to keep the visitors in the game. In the closing minutes the home side looked to close the game out and a fully deserved win lifted the Imps above Scunthorpe in the league table.
