FT: Imps U18s 0 Chesterfield U18s 3
After three games undefeated and with seven points, Lincoln City's youths welcomed a strong Chesterfield side to Ashby Avenue for their latest Youth Alliance league game.
The Imps found it difficult in the early stages to get their passing game going as the visitors were pressing energetically all over the pitch and after just four minutes Chesterfield were in front when a quick counter attack down Lincoln's left side led to a low hard cross which Tope Fowudu converted well at the near post.
The Imps front line of Jordan Harper, Kieran Helsdown and Jenk Acar couldn't break Chesterfield's defence and efforts on goal were limited in the first half. At the same time Chesterfield were very effective at their game and were constantly counter attacking with pace down the flanks. Another low cross on 35 minutes found midfielder Lewis Sugden on the edge of the box who slotted home to double the visitor's lead.
Moments before half-time, the Imps had a corner which was whipped in by Mason Love and Jordon Cooke's far post header bounced agonisingly through the six yard box.
Leon Loftus replaced the injured Connor Griffin at half time and the second half began in similar fashion with Chesterfield pressing well. Marlon Grundy struggled to get forward from full back as Chesterfield's winger was a constant threat, and Sam Fewkes and Andy Wright were working extremely hard in midfield to keep the Imps in the game.
First year goalkeeer Richard Walton then made a smart save but could do nothing about the third goal when midfielder Lewis Sugden let fly from long range for his second of the afternoon.
Liam Harris replaced Fewkes and Lewis Millington replaced the hard working Helsdown as City looked for fresh legs, and Josh Barr-Rostron continued to try to drive the home side from midfield. Late in the game Harper broke clear twice but couldn't get his shot away, Wright shot over the bar and Barr-Rostron's effort was saved, then Harper headed over the bar from Cooke's pass.
But it wasn't to be the Imps' day and the visitors claimed a fully deserved three points. Lincoln visit league newcomers Mansfield Town next Saturday before welcoming Port Vale to Sincil Bank Stadium in the Midland Youth Cup.
Team: Walton, Grundy, Love, Fewkes (Harris), Cooke, Griffin (Loftus), Harper, Wright, Helsdown (Millington), Acar, Barr-Rostron. Subs not used: Smith, Stewart.
