It was all smiles for Lincoln City and particularly Jovon Makama as his star-studded performance helped the Imps beat West Bromwich Albion 4-2 in their final Pre-season friendly.
Quick start from the Imps
Action came thick and fast as Makama’s face was unexpectedly found with a ball sending it into the back of the net after a corner from the right-hand side within the first minute of the game.
Just a minute later, Makama tried his luck from thirty yards out leaving West Brom’s goalkeeper and former Imp Joshua Griffiths dumbfounded as the ball nestled into the top corner.
The game settled down after this flurry of action with Lincoln City having the best chances.
Lincoln’s Ben House left the field of play in the eighteenth minute of play after receiving a knock to the face. He subsequently made way for Irishman Jack Moylan who is back after his injury following struggles in the later stages of last season.
A defensive mishap from Sonny Bradley in the final third allowed for Price to shoot but to no avail for the travelling supporters.
A free-kick from the right saw new addition Ryley Towler head the ball straight into the hands of Griffiths.
The attacking onslaught from the Imps continued, as the game approached half time, Sonny Bradley headed the ball just wide when Moylan crossed in from the right.
The first half came to an end with referee Darren Drysdale’s whistle after the four added minutes of injury time.
The goals continued
After the interval, Joe Wildsmith came in for Griffiths with Styles being replaced by George Campbell as the Baggies made two changes.
The game resumed with the West Midlands outfit on the charge, with numerous opportunities for the team wearing yellow and green. Notably, Darnell Furlong’s shot was scurried up by Lincoln’s goalkeeper.
The early dominance of possession from the Baggies didn’t last long as brilliant build-up play from the Imps, saw Makama lift the ball into the area for Towler to head home for the third goal of the game.
Momentum began to run out for the Imps with West Brom picking up slightly more momentum. This allowed for Karlan Grant to pull one back from long-range in the 65th minute.
The travelling supporters were almost treated to an own goal in the 67th minute with Jayson Molumby’s cross from the far-right hand side collided with the boot of Darikwa. However, he managed to put the ball out wide for a corner for the Baggies.
Not long after Freddie Draper, who replaced James Collins, picked up the ball after a mistake from Torbjoern Heggem and slid it simply into the feet of Moylan for him to finish.
In the 93rd minute of the game, Drysdale inadvertently got himself involved to the dismay of the Lincoln City supporters. He knocked the ball into the feet of Devante Cole who turned home whilst the Imps defensive unit looked on.
After a cagey last few minutes the referee blew his whistle signalling the end of the match. The Imps end their pre-season run with a 4-2 win against the Baggies. The Imps will look ahead to their first game of the season at home to Reading on August 2