Title-Winning Lincoln City Shadow Scholar Returns To The City

July 6, 2026 Gary Ex Imps, Lincoln City, Lincoln United, Local Non-League Clubs, Players 0

Former Lincoln City Shadow Scholar Liam Flitton has returned to the city after being confirmed as a new signing by Lincoln United.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper joins the Whites ahead of the 2026/27 season, arriving from Step 5 side Newark and Sherwood United. He becomes the latest addition to a Lincoln United squad preparing for another campaign after their United Counties League Premier Division North title success last season.

Flitton’s link with the Imps came through the club’s Shadow Scholars programme, where he was part of the side that won the NFYL North East Premier League title in 2023. Lincoln City’s Shadow Scholars sealed the title with a 7-0 win against Rochdale, with Flitton starting in goal and also creating one of the early chances, a long ball through to Hugo Hunt.

That programme combines football with education, with players studying at Riseholme alongside their training. The club’s Shadow Scholars side enjoyed a strong campaign in 2022/23, and Flitton was part of the group that finished it by lifting the league title. Elicha Ahui is another former Shadow Scholar, now at Walsall.

Flitton has continued to build senior experience across the Lincolnshire non-league scene. During his time with Sleaford Town, he was named both Player’s Player and Young Player of the Season, and he also made headlines by scoring a penalty in a draw at Hucknall Town.

Flitton later joined Skegness Town, where he again caught the eye. In April 2025, Skegness drew 0-0 with Lincoln United on the final day of the league season, a result that confirmed the title for the Whites. Flitton saved a penalty in that game, helping Skegness take a point from the eventual champions.

A move to Newark and Sherwood United followed in June 2025, with the Highwaymen suggesting he had kept 50 clean sheets across three seasons at Step 5. He also produced another unusual goalkeeper moment during his spell there, scoring with a long clearance against Pinchbeck United.

Lincoln United have now brought him back to the city as part of their preparations for the new season. With a Shadow Scholars title, individual awards at Sleaford, senior Step 5 experience and a growing reputation as a young goalkeeper, Flitton arrives at Ashby Avenue with a solid non-league grounding already behind him.

The signing adds another Lincoln City connection to the Whites squad, with Alan Power also agreeing to remain at Ashby Avenue for another season, after helping them to a strong finish in the latter part of last season.