Lincoln United kicked off their Lincolnshire FA County Senior Trophy defence with a victory over Sleaford Town.
Goals from Jack McMenemy and Harvey Graves were enough for The Whites to progress to the second round, as they won at the MKM Stadium.
Lincoln United Aiming to Return their Crown:
After an even first 10 minutes, Lincoln started to show their quality. James Chester beat his man on numerous occasions to put inviting balls into the box, but the Greens defended well to cut out any danger.
Lincoln were given plenty of time by Sleaford, who held a deep line in the way they defended. The hosts threw their bodies on the line to block shots and crosses.
The Whites eventually took the lead just after 25 minutes. McMenemy leaped highest from a well-whipped corner to give United the lead.
He should have had his second five minutes later. Tris Drummond beat his man down the wing, before letting one fly. Greens goalkeeper Liam Flitton did well to push it away, but McMenemy missed the ball completely with a chance to put it into an open net.
The striker missed another golden opportunity not long later. Chester beat his man down the wing and played the ball across to the White number 10, whose effort hit both post and crossbar and came away from goal before being cleared of any danger.
Sleaford won a penalty right on the half-time mark. Kallum Smith impeded his man, leaving Finlay Armond to hit one from 12-yards out. He put it to the keepers’ right, which was saved brilliantly by Phil McGann.
Lincoln United Add to First-Half Lead:
The second-half started with a bang. The Whites had an early effort drill just wide of the post, while Sleaford attacker Josh Parker was unlucky not to head one in after a lovely move down the Greens’ right-hand side.
McMenemy finally converted one of his many chances. The striker received the ball after a good knock on from a long ball in and drilled his effort past Flitton into the bottom corner, doubling United’s lead.
Graves gave Lincoln a third just after the hour mark. The midfielder picked the ball up and beat his man before cutting inside and unleashing a curling effort which Flitton could do nothing about.
Sleaford got one back 20 minutes before time. Shannon-Lewis picked up the ball around 25 yards out, and whipped out into the top corner which Lincoln goalkeeper Phil McGann could do nothing about.
The final 15 minutes was filled with Sleaford attacking the best they could, while Lincoln showed why they are highly regarded in the division, defending well from set pieces as well as in open play.
It was to no avail for the hosts, however, as Lincoln United secured a win that saw them progress in the competition they won last year.
Full Time: Sleaford Town 1-3 Lincoln United
After a slow start, the Whites showed their class as they secured a comfortable 3-1 win. Next up for United is a trip to Leicestershire as they face Ashby Ivanhoe in United Counties Premier Division North action.
Feature Image Credit: Ed Mayes Photography