FT: Imps U18s 1 Hull City U18s 1
This week the Youths welcomed league leaders Hull City to Ashby Avenue with the visitors having won every game of the season so far.
Skipper Marlon Grundy and Jenk Acar were absent through injury, and the visitors who settled quickest enjoying good possession in the Imps half. Hull’s possession was rewarded after just six minutes when they opened the scoring from a corner.
The Imps began to look threatening on the counter attack, but the final pass was missing. Kieran Helsdown’s header from a Josh Barr-Rostron corner was cleared, before Helsdown broke clear but he was stopped in his tracks by an excellent challenge. Rich Walton saved smartly to his left and Jordan Harper shot wide. Then five minutes before the break, Sam Fewkes stole possession in midfield and his early pass found Harper who finished brilliantly to level the scores.
Immediately from the restart, Harper’s long range effort was tipped over as the Imps started well. Liam Harris and Andy Wright were busy pressing in midfield, and Wright’s effort was also tipped over the bar. Lewis Millington and Mason Love were introduced and Millington had an immediate impact with a dangerous cross, then Love’s free kick deflected off Hull’s wall.
At the other end a Hull break resulted in a magnificent goal line clearance from Jordan Cooke, then Connor Griffin defended brilliantly in the box the force Hull’s attacker out of play. An early Leon Loftus cross flashed across the box and then Harper forced another good save as the Imps continued to look dangerous.
Schoolboy Jack McMenemy replaced Fewkes and the Imps finished strongly to earn a well-earned point against a very good side. And a special mention to Calum Stewart (pictured) who enjoyed an excellent game at full back.
Lincoln now hope to take this form into Tuesday’s FA Youth Cup tie at Sincil Bank Stadium against Oadby Town.
Imps: Walton, Loftus, Stewart (Love), Fewkes (McMenemy), Cooke, Griffin, Harper, Wright, Helsdown (Millington), Barr-Rostron, Harris. Subs: Smith, Moyses.