In a thrilling FA Youth Cup second-round clash at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, the Imps’ U18s side stunned Bolton Wanderers with a dramatic 89th-minute winner.
The Imps’ late strike, courtesy of Denny Oliver, shattered Wanderers’ unbeaten start to the season. City are chasing Bolton at the top of the EFL Youth Alliance and demonstrated their potential with a performance brimming with determination and skill. Two clinical goals from exciting forward Dakara Wifa and a decisive strike from midfielder Oliver capped off a memorable night for Sam Tillen’s side.
The visitors took an early lead through Wifa, whose composed finish curled past goalkeeper Luke Lomax into the bottom corner. Bolton responded well as captain Harley Irwin’s deflected long-range strike levelled the score before halftime.
After the break, the Imps again showcased their counter-attacking prowess when Wifa struck his second, underlining his reputation as another bright spark in the Imps academy. Bolton struggled to regain momentum despite flashes of brilliance, although Daeshon Lawrence’s late equalizer briefly reignited Wanderers’ hopes. There was still time for a final twist, Oliver’s composed finish moments later sealed the game for City.
⚽️ Enjoy the goals from the young Imps’ late win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.#WeAreImps | #BOLLIN pic.twitter.com/0PDqfwEgPM
— Lincoln City Academy (@LCFCAcademy) November 26, 2024
Tillen Hails Team’s Spirit and Individual Brilliance
Speaking after the match, Lincoln City manager Sam Tillen couldn’t hide his pride.
“I’m very proud of the performance of the players and thought we were fantastic. The attitude and application they showed was testament to all the work they’ve done over the past four months to get us into this position.”
Tillen was particularly effusive about the contributions of Wifa and Oliver.
“There’s such quality with Dakara’s finishes and that was the same with Denny as well. He has got lovely technique and he managed to call on that in the final minutes.”
A Tight-Knit Team Triumphs
The unity within Lincoln’s U18 squad was evident throughout the match. Wifa, who took his FA Youth Cup tally to five goals with this brace, praised the team’s collective effort.
“It was a crazy night and the most intense game I’ve ever played in. I’m just so proud of the boys for the work they’ve put in on and off the pitch to prepare for the game.”
He also lauded Oliver’s match-winning moment.
“I saw Zane cut in at the end and I was screaming for it ,but it went to Denny Oliver who finished it excellently. Denny has done so much work off the pitch and I’m happy it’s come out in a game and everyone can see his quality.”
✊ WHAT IT MEANS.#WeAreImps | #BOLLIN pic.twitter.com/wxOAyjZ8Hk
— Lincoln City Academy (@LCFCAcademy) November 25, 2024
Wanderers Reflect on the Defeat
Bolton’s Head of Academy, Dave Gardiner, graciously praised the Imps.
“Congratulations to them on a great performance,” he said. “They came with a great game plan and it worked. They are well-organised team and we wish them all the best in the next round.”
Gardiner also emphasized the positives for Wanderers.
“Our lads gave it everything. They’ve had a really good run of games. They’ve been used to winning and it’s how we bounce back now from this back in the league.”
What’s Next?
This victory is a huge signal of intent by the young Imps, and a testament to their growing reputation as a strong youth side. With a third-round tie against Wrexham scheduled at home, it might be at the LNER Stadium, and there’s a chance for the lads to get out on a proper pitch again and impress, hopefully in front of a decent home crowd.
How this side impacts the first team over the coming years is yet to be seen, but we now have a good record of making Round Three of this competition, having lost at the same stage to Barnsley last season and Watford in 2022. We reached the fourth round in the 2021/22 competition, narrowly losing to Watford.