Sam Tillen’s development side advanced to the quarter-finals of the U17 PDL Shield with a victory against Stevenage this week.
With a side featuring three trialists, the Imps enjoyed a hat-trick from Kian Sagoo, coming back from. 2-0 down to force extra time. Sagoo also netted his penalty, while keeper Isaac Shaw saved the host’s seventh spot kick to send the Imps through.
Lincoln United loanee Daniel Vanderpuye also featured, but it was Sagoo who caught the eye on a big afternoon for Tillen’s side.
“Kian Sagoo capped a wonderful all-round performance with a hat-trick and converted his penalty successfully in the shootout,” he told weareimps.com.
City trailed 2-0, and then 3-2 in extra time, but still came out on top, showing ‘great character’ according to Tillen.
“We showed fantastic character to come back from 2-0 down and force the game into extra time.
“We started extra time very well but were undone against the run of play but the boys showed exceptional fortitude to push back and deservedly equalise with ten minutes to go, which was testament to both the players and our lead strength and conditioning coach, Jack Parker, as we got stronger as the game went on.”
It’s been a tough season on the field for the youngsters, with the Under 18s 15th out of 21 in the Youth Alliance. They were eliminated from the FA Youth Cup at the First Round stage, so this victory will be a huge boost for some of the younger players.