Michael Skubala’s Lincoln City maintained their unbeaten start to this season’s Vertu Trophy last night when they found a 3-0 victory over Manchester United’s Under 21’s.
That result all but confirmed the sides progression to the second round with Notts County requiring an eight-goal swing on goal difference in the final day to overtake the Imps.
It was slow start for the home side as striker on the night Justin Obikwu missed a flurry of first half chances to open the scoring.
However, things got moving quickly after the break as Tom Hamer headed home Ivan Varfolomeev’s corner just two minutes after the restart.
Erik Ring then volleyed home his first goal of the season after some brilliant build up play and skill down the right allowed Dexter Lemibiksa to find him at the back post.
The game was then put to bed by Reeco Hackett when he finished calmly off the left post after the ball fell kindly to him in the penalty area.
Speaking after the game, Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala said: “First half we started well and had a few chances we could have scored from.
“They were really good, but I thought second half we started the brighter team and it carried on from there for us to get on top of a tight game.
“We spoke at half-time about having more intent in our final actions and on their last line and I thought we started the second half really dominant and it didn’t stop.”
Erik Ring started just his fourth game of the season and was influential in City’s press throughout the first half while in the number ten position.
He then moved out to the left with just over 20 minutes of the game remaining, showing how the Swede’s versatility is vital for the Imps.
On that Skubala said: “He did well in the ten and then we moved him out wide because we thought there would be some bigger spaces.”
Ring then used that space well as he scored the home sides second goal of the game and Skubala said: “He used that space well and he took his goal well.”
Finally, speaking on how his side will prepare for Saturday’s visit to Exeter City, Skubala said: “They will be focussed they will be ready; we have to go and get three points.”