Words by John Fernandez.
The Imps continued their busy pre-season schedule with a trip to Northern Premier League club, Eastwood Town on Saturday, July 21st.
Once again, fitness was the key for Holdsworth’s men, so a show of poor defending with goals at both ends was to be expected and that’s exactly what happened.
Josh Gowling was the first to commit an error as he was caught out with a back-pass to keeper, Paul Farman, which fell short of the mark and was capitalised upon by the Eastwood front line to open the scoring for the home team after 19 minutes.
Lincoln City returned fire immediately though as new signing from local rivals Gainsborough Trinity, Andrew Boyce, powered in a header at close range from a corner.
The Imps looked like they were getting into their stride after the equaliser and ex-Eastwood Town midfielder, Jake Sheridan, put City in front with a poacher’s effort from close range.
After the break, Sheridan doubled City’s advantage after some good work out wide from Nicky Nicolau.
However, another piece of poor defending from the Imps brought Eastwood within touching distance of Lincoln City at 3-2.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t long before second half substitute, Alan Power, put the game beyond The Badgers by making it 4-2 to the Imps.
Player Ratings
Paul Farman – 7
Tested sporadically by the Eastwood attack. Could have done better with the second
goal, but overall a solid performance behind a shaky back four.
Paul Robson – 6
The well-travelled full back was caught napping by Eastwood’s wingers; hardly at
fault for the deflected goal.
John Nutter – 7
No nonsense as usual. Still looking short of match fitness but another who will be
certain to be on the team sheet when the season starts.
Josh Gowling – 6
Bar his early back pass, the towering centre back won everything in the air and made
some crucial interceptions.
Andrew Boyce – 7
Some suspect defending at one end was cancelled out with a powerful headed goal at
the other.
Jake Sheridan – 8
Was a nightmare for his old team and popped up in the final third in all the right
places. Deserved a third goal.
Gary Mills – 6
New signing, Mills worked hard in the middle but struggled to get on the ball.
Dan Gray – 7
Triallist, Gray played well but is another who looks short of fitness. A good player
though who loves a tackle.
Nico Nicalon – 7
Provided the assist for one goal and made some good moves out wide on the left.
Could be a key man next season if his form continues.
Brad Barraclough – 6
YouTube man, Barraclough didn’t see the best of it up front against The Badgers.
Rob Duffy – 7
A good assist for the front man capped off a solid game for the striker. Got himself in
good positions, but failed to finish.
Subs:
A. Smith
A. Power
J. Taylor
P. Bore
S. Smith
J. Turner
G. Hutchinson