Lincoln City U18s coach Ash Foyle feels his side will learn valuable lessons after being pegged back by Scunthorpe United on Saturday morning.
It was the Imps' opening game in Group C of the EFL Youth Alliance Group, with games to come against Walsall, Oldham and Huddersfield.
The Imps drew 1-1 with the Iron after Julian Donnery’s goal was cancelled out in the second half by Tyrell Sellars-Fleming.
Foyle said: “After taking the lead in the first half, we could have had a bigger advantage at the break but failed to take our chances.
“Oisin Gallagher was sent off on the hour which changed the dynamic of the game. Scunthorpe managed to score through a defensive mix up and held the momentum for a while, but we came on strong with 10 men and had some good chances to win the game in the latter stages.
Despite the result, Foyle is confident the squad will have learnt from the experience heading into the rest of the season.
He added: "Ultimately, we’re disappointed that we allowed the opposition a foot hold in the game, as it should have been put to bed on a number of occasions.
“There were, however, plenty of important lessons which the lads can build upon and take into the games ahead.”