Emmanuel Ilesanmi's sixth minute header sealed a first ever win for our Academy as Lincoln were defeated at York St John University.
After last week's late disappointment, our academy side started against Lincoln in impressive fashion; a high and aggressive midfield press frustrated the visitors early on and immediately placed them on the back foot.The early pressure resulted in Town being awarded a free kick out in the wide right-wing position. James Birmingham delivered an excellent ball into the box which was met with a powerful header by Emmanuel Ilesanmi to get the striker off the mark for the season.
Despite a positive start, Town allowed Lincoln back into the game in terms of possession and struggled to retain the ball with any quality for the remainder of the first half.
A Good tactical structure off the ball and tireless work from Tom Liddle and George Horbury in central midfield kept it 1-0 to Town at the break.
The second half started and Town slowly grew back into the game with a number of chances created for the home side.
Our central midfield battles were won and the back four proved difficult to break down, with Lincoln limited to any real clear chances.
“Tactically off the ball we have improved again since last week and added more grit in terms of our commitment and desire to win the ball back.” Added Ross McKay.
“We will be working on the continual transition to improve in terms our quality on the ball and our decision making in the final third to ensure we can create more goal scoring opportunities and be more decisive against our opposition.
“The group is growing in belief in such a short space of time and are buying into the academy and club philosophy. We can't wait for Monday!”
Town: Giles, J Barker (Dean 45), Birmingham, Liddle, Attree, Wilson, Williams (O'Boyle 45), Horbury, Ilesanmi (W Barker 83), Tweed, Kerr (Dixon 55)
Goals: Ilesanmi (6)