Lincoln United reach the semi-finals after edging out the Imps academy on a chilly Lincolnshire night.
The County Cup can often throw up tight contests, and this one followed the pattern, with Lincoln United progressing after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lincoln City’s academy side.
There were familiar faces on both sides: Alan Power started for the Whites, as did former academy player Conor Brown, who left for Nottingham Forest a few years back. The Imps featured Charlie Carlisle and Daniel Vanderpuye, on loan with the Whites, as well as Bola Okewoye, who has first team experience this season.
However, Sam Tillen’s side were without six players who could be considered regulars, including prolific attacker Josh Kennealy.
United strike first before City respond
In a goalless first half, it was the home side that looked most likely to score. Fielding a strong side, they took the game to their academy counterparts, with Stef Galinski, Elliot Dye and Brown all going close. Heath Richardson was the quieter of the two keepers, making one notable save before the break.
Jaden Taylor in the Imps goal ensured it remained level at half time, with a cracking save from Dye’s acrobatic effort.
United went in front early in the second half, Brown netting against the Imps. He’s previously had a trial here, and looked the sharpest in a game relatively low on quality. Brown poked home from close range, giving the Whites their first goal in the Billy Heath era.
On 68 minutes, City drew level. Okewoye delivered the game’s outstanding individual moment, shaping a curling finish past the home keeper. It gave the visitors a boost and at that point the tie felt as if it might tilt in City’s favour.
The hosts were stubborn, though and continued to apply pressure. Max Baker hit the bar, and Brown had an effort go wide, but it did look like we were drifting towards a draw, and maybe some additional time.
Late drama settles it
With two minutes left on the clock, the decisive twist arrived. Baker was adjudged by the referee to have been bundled over in the box, and while it was a soft one to give away, there was little doubt it was deserved. Dye stepped up and sent the Whites into the semi-final.
For City’s youngsters, this was a night that mixed frustration with flashes of real quality, particularly the equaliser from Okewoye. For United, it was a committed performance and one that gets their new era off to a strong start. They will now travel to Boston United, looking for a place in the final where either Cleethropes Town, Grimsby Town, or Scunthorpe United await.
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