A very young Lincoln City side, stretched by injuries and work experience loans and featuring a host of trialists, were beaten 3-1 by Grimsby Town in the EFL Youth Alliance on Saturday afternoon.
With several regulars unavailable, Sam Tillen named an inexperienced XI that included six trialists, while 14-year-old Mason Jubb once again featured at this level. Against a Grimsby side sitting second in the table and with games in hand on leaders Preston North End, it was always going to be a stern test.
City found themselves under pressure early on at Brigg Town’s EC Surfacing Stadium, with the hosts making the brighter start. Isaac Shaw was called into action inside the opening exchanges and could do little to prevent Harvey Booth giving Grimsby the lead on 10 minutes, the forward racing through before the referee ruled the ball had crossed the line despite Shaw’s attempt to claw it out.
The Imps struggled to gain a foothold during the first half-hour and were punished again just before the half-hour mark when Charlie Hatton rounded Shaw to double the advantage.
Despite the difficult start, there was character in the response. Kenzie Oliver was cautioned during a combative spell, and City began to carry more threat, particularly through Josh Kennealey and Jubb. On 38 minutes, City were handed a route back into the contest when a Mason Jubb effort was adjudged to have struck a hand. Kennealey took responsibility himself, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
There were signs before the break that momentum was shifting, but City were unable to find an equaliser.
Second Half Control
Tillen introduced Fletcher Don-Duncan at the interval as the Imps sought renewed energy, yet it was Grimsby who struck next. A penalty was awarded eight minutes after the restart, and Hatton converted to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1.
From that point, City had spells of pressure without reward. Gael Mande offered width from the right, while Kennealey twice went close in quick succession, first volleying straight at the goalkeeper and then firing over the bar. There was commitment and endeavour, but the final touch eluded the young Imps.
Post Match Reaction
After the game, Tillen acknowledged the challenge posed by his youthful group.
“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.”
Tillen also highlighted the contribution of Jubb, whose willingness to take the ball under pressure belied his age.
Kennealey, back in the starting line-up for the first time since December, was pleased to mark his return with a goal but admitted there were lessons to take.
“I think at times we played really well we moved the ball around and pressed very well but at other times we seemed to fall asleep and the three goals we conceded were all very avoidable.”
On his penalty, he added: “As soon as the referee gave the penalty, I knew I was going to take it and I felt very confident as I already knew where I was going and it’s great to make my return by getting on the scoresheet.”
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s fixture against Chesterfield, where this young group will look to turn experience into points.
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