Sam Tillen was pleased with his team’s intensity as they ran out 3-1 victors over Notts County to register their first victory of their 2025/26 U17 PDL Cup campaign.
Josh Kennealey opened the scoring in the game as he gave the Imps a first half lead, Dan Vanderpuye converted from the penalty spot just after the break before the three points were sealed when Kennealey grabbed his sixth goal in three games with 20 minutes to go.
Sam Tillen spoke about Kennealey’s current goalscoring record, he said: “His work rate and his willingness to put his body into positions are second to none, the intensity he plays with is commendable.
“He had a little bit of a spell where he was frustrated with himself for not scoring but we had the conversation that if he continues to find the space and get into the positions he will find the back of the net.
“He’s robust, he’s got pace and how he’s adding that clinical finishing to his game and he is just going to keep improving”
Tillen was also impressed with the handful of substitutes that were brought on and commented on their ability to effect the game.
Tillen said: “I thought we managed to maintain the tempo and intensity throughout the whole 90 minutes and even when we made changes it didn’t affect the flow of the game and the lads who came on gave us a fresh impetus and I thought we were very deserving of the three points.”
The young Imps have this weekend off league action as they prepare to face Oldham Athletic in the Youth Alliance North.
Tillen said: “Hopefully it will give us an opportunity to freshen up some lads who have worked at a high intensity throughout the early parts of the season.
“Training for Oldham will start next week and we will make sure we are fully prepared for the challenge they pose and it should be a good away day.”
