Fletcher Don-Duncan believes adapting to different styles of opposition will aid the young Imps’ development ahead of the 2026/27 Youth Alliance North campaign.
Don-Duncan played a pivotal role in defence against Northampton Town U18 in the young Imps’ preseason fixture that ended in a 1-1 draw.
He said: “I had a solid first half, some good channel balls, diagonal balls, finding my striker and winger running off the player.
“I thought I defended well, one-on-one they had a technical winger, and I had to defend against him so I thought I did well. Then in the second half when I came back on, it was a different half to the first half with a different players for the opposition and I thought I did quite well all-round really.”
The change from playing against a men’s side last weekend was a challenge that City had to adapt to ahead of their second pre-season outing.
Don-Duncan added: “The men’s teams have strong and physical attributes compared to Northampton whose fitness levels matched ours so they were able to challenge us in possession compared to Lincoln United who utilised a more direct style so we had to be prepared for the change.”
The young central defender is entering his first season as a scholar at the academy, with his mindset going forward showing that he is keen to seize the opportunity.
He said: “I just want to keep improving, obviously I’ve come from a lower age group so I’m trying to work my way up the ranks. We have strong competition in central defence so I’m trying to earn my starting place and show Isaac and Sam what I can do”
Looking ahead to their next pre-season fixture against Skegness Town, Don Duncan spoke on what that test would bring for the young Imps.
He said: “It’s another men’s team so it’s going to be similar to Lincoln United and they’re going to be big, strong players who are going to try and play direct football.
“Obviously we have Monday to prepare for the game and we’re going to have to bounce on from Lincoln United to that so it’ll be a similar focus for the game really.”