Sam Tillen was pleased with the experience gained by his side after a tenacious display against 2nd placed Grimsby Town.
Despite a positive start, the Imps found themselves 2-1 down at half time, with Josh Kennealey on target for City. The Mariners - who sit 2nd in the table with five games in hand on leaders Preston North End - took the game away from the U18s in the second period, with game ultimately finishing 3-1.
Through injuries and work experience loans, Sam Tillen is left with a very young squad, but he is happy with the experience they are gaining with an eye to the future.
Tillen said: “There is a big disparity in age at this moment in time but hopefully through that little bit of adversity we can become stronger and better players from it.
“We must learn to play the ball quicker and be clever in your physical duels, those are things we can learn from but if we do so we will be a dangerous team for anyone to face.”
Mason Jubb is an example of the young players currently gaining experience in U18s football and it was through his hard work that saw the referee point to the spot for the Imps late in the first half. Tillen was full of praise for him after his performance.
He said: “Mason Jubb did really well as a 14-year-old at this level, he really wanted the ball and always tried to get on it.
“What I really like about Mason is how he moves with the ball and how he always makes himself available to play, regardless of what happened in the game he was always an option.”
City U18: Shaw, Trialist A, Trialist B, Trialist C, K. Oliver (Don-Duncan 46'), Sagoo, Kennealey (Preston 69'), Trialist D, Trialist E, Trialist F, Jubb (Huggins 84'). Subs (unused): Mande