Lincoln City returned to action at the LNER Stadium, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers U21’s 2-0 in the EFL Trophy with goals from Hakeeb Adelakun and Jovon Makama confirmed the win for Lincoln.
Mark Kennedy made seven changes from the side that lost to Peterborough United on Saturday, with only Alex Mitchell, Sean Roughan, Jack Burroughs, and Hakeeb Adelakun returning to the starting 11.
As for Wolves, six changes from the side that drew with Bournemouth on Friday. Hubner, Kandola, Whittingham, Hesketh and Chirewa all keep their names on the teamsheet.
Lincoln went into this game yet to register a win in the competition, whilst the academy side looked to make it two wins from two. City needed a win tonight to stay in the competition, either in normal time or on penalties.
First-Half:
Within the first five minutes, Mide Shodipo had an unmarked header inside the Wolves box following a cross. As a free man from a few yards out, Shodipo headers it high over the bar. He probably should have scored it.
The first ten minutes were filled with Lincoln dominating the ball and keeping it well in the Wolves half. Despite constant pressure, Wolves managed to keep their goal safe.
The first goal for the Imps came in the 19th minute. Hakeeb Adelakun received the ball from Jack Burroughs’ cross, and his touch gave him the perfect opportunity to volley it past Joe Young in the Wolves net. Lincoln had managed to turn their chances into a goal before any risk of chances slipping away from them.
Leon Chiwome gave Wolves their first chance of the match against the run of play. His run in behind left him with an opportunity to lob goalkeeper Jordan Wright, but his effort was slightly wide.
The game became slightly more open as the half-hour mark passed. Lincoln kept their fair share of possession; however, Wolves came into the game a lot more. A few quickfire chances for Wolves kept Jordan Wright and the City defence aware, but Lincoln were able to keep Wolves to very few chances.
Lincoln were the better side overall in the first 45, and with the heavy chances created, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see them lead by more than one goal. Instead, they’ve still got more to do in the second half to keep their EFL Trophy hopes alive.
Second-Half:
Very little split the two sides in the first fifteen minutes of the second half. As we passed the hour mark, Lincoln continued with their dominant possession, but they managed very little with it. No real chances, and their final ball didn’t do enough to struggle the defence of the academy side.
Lincoln made a triple substitution after 60 minutes of play. Bishop, Shodipo and Adelakun made way for Jovon Makama, Oisin Gallagher, and Danny Mandroiu, who is continuing to have his playing time monitored after sustaining an injury earlier in the season.
Alex Mitchell received the ball in the box with just 20 minutes to go, but his bullet header forced a great save from point blank range by Joe Young. That would have sealed the game, but instead the Imps would need to continue fighting to earn an impressive 3 points.
Lincoln had another goal to cheer about with ten minutes ago, but it was quickly spoilt by the flag of the linesman. Burroughs’ effort was expertly finished, but an offside call quickly turned the celebrations away.
Lincoln began to have more belief they could score another. More shots were being taken from outside the area, as they hoped to test Young and score a second to secure the win in this match.
Alistair Smith had a long shot from 25-yards which was saved by Young in spectacular fashion. He quickly was called to another save from the corner, this time with his feet, to stop TJ Eyoma from close range.
Joe Young was called into action a lot in added time, as Lincoln threw everything
Finally, Lincoln managed to get their deserved second. Jovon Makama was sent a ball through, beating the defenders with his pace. With only Young to beat, he passed the ball into the back of the net, sealing the win for City.
Full Time – Lincoln City 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers U21’s
Lincoln’s dominance on the ball and large number of opportunities paid off, as Lincoln managed to get themselves two goals, one early on and one very late.
Three valuable points for Lincoln, as they have managed to keep themselves in the EFL Trophy. A win against Notts County next time around, and they could expect to reach the knockout stages.
Next up for Lincoln, a home match against mid-table Burton Albion at the LNER Stadium on Saturday (October 14).