The Imps continued their pre-season preparation with a friendly against newly-promoted Premier League side Norwich City at the Lotus Training Centre.
The home side started strong in the hot conditions, but City soon had their first chance of the game with Chris Maguire playing a clever ball over the Norwich backline towards Tom Hopper inside the area, however, Michael McGovern was there to collect for Daniel Farke’s team.
A few minutes before the 20-minute mark, Imps goalkeeper Sam Long pulled off an impressive save from Milot Rashica’s powerful effort from just inside the box. However, the Norwich number 17 was flagged for offside following Todd Cantwell’s initial pass.
Rashica was involved in another Norwich attack moments later, receiving the ball from Adam Idah on the edge of the area. Trialist A was there for the Imps though, putting in a strong challenge to prevent a shot on goal.
Norwich had an opportunity to take the lead through Idah on the half-an-hour point, with the forward driving a low shot towards goal. Young goalkeeper, Long did well for the Imps, pushing the effort away from danger.
The Imps started to increase their number of attacking spells in the opening half, as Tayo Edun flicked a clever ball forward for Chris Maguire. The City number 10 looked to be through on goal, leaving the Norwich defence behind, but the linesman cut the attack short holding his flag up for offside.
Edun continued to be an influential player in starting breaks for Lincoln as the half continued. This time finding James Jones unmarked in the middle of the park 10 minutes before the break. Jones was then able to continue the transition, playing a beautiful ball out wide to Remy Longdon. The number 17 collected the pass well before cutting inside from the right side for City and then trying to thread a pass through to Maguire, however, Norwich were able to intercept.
The Imps made three changes at the break with Trialist B, Trialist C and Dan N’Lundulu all coming into the action.
City had a chance to take the lead in the 55th minute when Tayo Edun played a driven cross into the area, Trialist C was waiting on the penalty spot, but his volley was just over substitute goalkeeper, Angus Gunn’s goal.
The home side had their first shot of the second half in the 66th minute, with Kieran Dowell attempting a low effort on Long’s goal. The Imps goalkeeper looked to have things covered as the shot went wide.
With the score level after 70 minutes at the Lotus Training Centre, there were second-half changes for the Imps with Max Sanders, Cohen Bramall, Billy Brooks and Freddie Draper coming on. Trialist A and Remy Longdon also returned to the field having taken a break at half-time.
Max Sanders was soon involved in the play, with Jones setting up the midfielder on the edge of the box. Sanders struck his shot well, but Gunn was able to get across and collect for Norwich.
The final action of the game came in the 88th minute when Pierre Lees-Melou curled an effort into the right side of Long’s goal, allowing Norwich to claim the victory at the Lotus Training Centre.
First Half Starting XI: Long, Trialist A, Bridcutt, Melbourne, Edun, McGrandles, Fiorini, Jones, Longdon, Hopper, Maguire
Second Half Starting XI: Long, Trialist B, Bridcutt, Melbourne, Edun, McGrandles, Fiorini, Jones, Trialist C, N’Lundulu, Maguire
