Sam Tillen was pleased with the hard work shown by his side to register a 3-0 win over Scottish side Kilmarnock U18 in their penultimate pre-season outing.
An early goal from Will Cowin partnered with a second-half brace from Josh Kennealey was enough to ensure the first part of the young Imps’ trip north of the border was a successful one.
Tillen said: “We started very brightly with good work from both Orin [Aldridge] and Freddie [Wilson] which led to a very good Will Cowin finish. After that, I felt we worked hard but weren’t as effective as we could have been and allowed Kilmarnock into the game.”
“At half-time we made some changes and reiterated our message, and it was great to see us be far more effective in both facets of the game.
“Josh Kennealey and Timi Bada were exceptional, and Josh fully deserved his two goals. We were unlucky not to score more and looked a significant threat in attack whilst maintaining possession better defensively.”
Tillen also spoke about how important it was for players to gain the experience of playing a side such as Kilmarnock.
He added: “Kilmarnock are a very good side who won the Scottish Youth Cup last season so the boys should be very pleased with their efforts.
“The hospitality from Kilmarnock has been exemplary and the opportunity to play at Rugby Park has been a real privilege and it has allowed us to test ourselves against a well-coached and highly competent outfit.”