City topped their Papa Johns Trophy group with a comfortable 2-0 win against Newcastle United U21 at the LNER Stadium.
The Imps took an early lead when Jordon Garrick did well to dispossess a Newcastle defender inside the area before laying it off to Danny Mandroiu to calmly strike into the bottom left corner and net his first goal for the club.
As the half approached the midway stage, Ben House had two opportunities in quick succession to add a second but his forward run and poked effort were both dealt with by Smith.
The young Magpies’ best effort of the half came shortly afterwards as Joe White’s 20-yard effort deflected off Joe Walsh and looped up before coming off the top of the crossbar and behind.
On the half hour mark, the Imps had a goal disallowed as House’s powerful strike from just inside the area was saved into the path of Garrick who converted but was flagged offside.
Mark Kennedy’s side continued to control possession which allowed Charles Vernam to twist and turn on his way into the box before following it up with an effort which continued to rise over the target.
Newcastle looked to level the score in the 38th minute as Kyle Crossley won the ball from Jacob Davenport inside the Imps’ half but his effort failed to challenge Jordan Wright in the City goal.
Just before the break House went close to netting his second in as many games when Mandroiu threaded a ball through to him, who turned towards goal and saw his effort parried clear by the ‘keeper.
On the hour mark, Newcastle called Wright into action when Isaac Westendorf found space outside the area to strike at goal, but it was comfortable for the Imps’ stopper.
Elliot Dickman’s side created another chance shortly afterwards as Jay Turner-Cooke’s curling effort from distance fizzed just wide of the post.
City continued to control the second half following some half-chances for the visitors, as Jamie Robson picked out Freddie Draper’s run who was denied by a strong save from Smith.
Draper didn’t let the earlier miss phase him as he drove at goal with confidence after being found down the left by Robson again before striking low beneath the goalie to get off the mark for the season and secure the top spot in the Papa Johns Trophy group.
City: Jordan Wright, Regan Poole ©, Charles Vernam, Tashan Oakley-Boothe (Jacob Davenport 19’ (Oisin Gallagher 77’)), Jordon Garrick, Joe Walsh (Sean Roughan 61’), Jamie Robson, Ben House (Freddie Draper 61’), Danny Mandroiu, Lasse Sorensen, Elicha Ahui. Subs (not used): Carl Rushworth, TJ Eyoma, Jovon Makama.
Goals: Mandroiu (8’), Draper (84’).
Newcastle U21: Jude Smith, Joe Oliver, Niall Brookwell, Charlie Wiggett, Alex Murphy ©, Jamie Miley (James Huntley 68’), Jay Turner-Cooke, Joe White, Kyle Crossley (Josh Scott 58’), Jordan Hackett (Matthew Bondswell 68’), Cameron Ferguson (Isaac Westendorf 58’). Subs (not used): Will Brown, Nathan Carlyon, Michael Ndiweni.
Attendance: 1,693 (71 away).
Referee: Ben Toner.
