The young Imps emerged victorious in their opening home game of the 2026/27 league campaign, overcoming their opponents Preston North End in a thrilling 3-2 clash.
A brace from Leo Fifield and a calm finish from Josh Kennealey paved the way to three points as City continue their season without defeat.
Sam Tillen spoke on his side’s performance, saying: “I thought we showed good attacking threat. I though in the first half, we played especially well and we were unlucky to go into the break at 1-1.”
He added: “I think the lads deserved it and the nature of the goals, especially the second one where Josh Kennealey shows why he’s such an attribute for us.”
Leo Fifield’s brace made it three goals in the opening two games for him as he looks to continue his hot run of form from the end of last season.
Tillen said: “Leo has done extremely well since he came to us. He’s had a run of games since January or February last season and he’s been extremely prolific. He averages over a goal a game for us which is fantastic output from him.
“It’s down to us as coaches to get the best out of every player we’ve got and in Leo’s instance it’s about trying to get him into positions where we think he can score and create opportunities for him.”
Over the course of the next week, the young Imps will take on York CIty in both the Youth Alliance Cup and the league, with preparation being vital for such a quick turnaround between games.
Tillen explained: “The first game might shape the second game a little bit. We know that they are going to be a very competitive side. We know that York will pose us threats and it will be a very competitive game.
“It’s going to be really important in terms of the mentality of the players regardless of how Wednesday goes that we look one game at a time and make sure that we do everything we can to be in the best place for Wednesday and then going into Saturday and we’ll see what transpires then.”
Josh Kennealey found himself on the scoresheet once again as he converted the second of the young Imps’ three goals in their 3-2 win over the Lilywhites.
He said: “I think in the first half I didn’t really get into the game as much as I’d have wanted to so I was a bit disappointed with that, but I think in the second half me and the team turned it on, obviously with a goal and an assist for me.”
“I thought everyone was up for it for the whole game really but especially for the second half.”
His goal came from an opposition set piece deep inside their own half, leading to an error that Kennealey was able to capitalise on.
He added: “I saw the defender was going to play it to the keeper so as soon as he played it I was right on it and it was a really poor pass from him and the keeper was just stuck in the ground really so I went onto to it and tapped it into an open goal.”
The goal came in between two goals from fellow forward Leo Fifield who has now made it three goals in two games this season so far.
The atmosphere within the squad seems to be as positive as the players’ physical health, with both factors set to play a key role this week in the build-up to the two games against York City.
Kennealey said: “We want to win both games and I think the team are in a really good position, particularly fitness-wise I think we’re probably one of if not the fittest team in the league so I think we’re perfectly fine playing those games with such a quick turnaround and I think we should beat them in both games.”