Sam Tillen was happy with the way his young team grew into the game despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rotherham United.
The Imps grew in confidence as the game progressed with Lynden Huggins sending his side into the lead before the Millers scored two goals in the final 30 minutes to take three points despite plenty of endeavour from City to get back on level terms.
The young Imps fashioned their goal from a set-piece situation and Sam Tillen spoke about the importance of capitalising on those opportunities.
He said: “It’s a real strength of the first team, to be proficient in set pieces both for and against so it’s important we replicate that.
"I think the key is often the ball in, when we get a good delivery, we give ourselves a good chance and it was a good ball in from Josh Blant and as a team we attacked the ball well and it was nice for Lynden to get his first goal for us.”
Young goalkeeper Isaac Shaw stepped into the side for the first time in the Youth Alliance North after impressive performances in both of City’s home PDL Cup fixtures.
Tillen said: “He did well, made some good saves, it was good to have him back available, and his confidence will just continue to grow now while playing with this group and hopefully he can take it through for the rest of the season.”
The young Imps continue their Youth Alliance North campaign on Saturday 6 December when they play host to Mansfield Town.
Tillen said: “Mansfield is a tough game, they’re always a good side, well organised with experienced coaches and we will have to be prepared for that.”
Right-back Regan Chipperfield echoed the head coach's thoughts on the result and is looking ahead to the hosting of the Stags to bounce back.
He added: “I think we had very good spells in that match, it was just in critical moments we needed to be more clinical.
“We need to take this game as an opportunity to learn and have a stronger mentality in the next game to hopefully get back to winning ways."