A young Lincoln City side was defeated 1-0 in the Quarter-Final of the Senior Cup on Tuesday evening at the Myenergi Stadium. Brody Robertson claimed the only goal of the contest.

With one eye doubtless on a busy League programme in October, manager Dave Smith rang the changes from the Bridlington clash.

Out went Sam Topliss, Jordon Cooke, Jack McMenemy & Curtis Bateson. Coming into the starting XI were Tim Lowe, James Williamson, Jack Moore-Billam & Brody Robertson respectively.

The side lined-up, as follows:

Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Tim Lowe, James Williamson, Paul Walker, Leon Dawson
Midfield: Josh Venney, Alex Flett (c), Jack Moore-Billam
Attack: Brody Robertson, Dec Howe, Will Annan

Subs: Sam Topliss, Rio Molyneaux, Jack McMenemy, Jordon Cooke, Curtis Bateson, Jon Oglesby

With heavy rain falling in the run-up to kick-off, the pitch was slick. It provided the perfect platform for both teams to showcase some entertaining football.

The ever-dangerous Howe was the first to threaten for the Owls, galloping forward in the 7th minute before being crowded out by a number of defenders.

Howe was then denied by a super reflex save from keeper Wright, who went on to deploy an impressive show of glovework.

The breakthrough did come late in the half. An attempted clearance cannoned off a Lincoln player and was slipped through to Brody Robertson. The striker coolly slotted into the net, via the upright.

There was still an opportunity for Howe to smash an effort against the crossbar, as the clock entered added time.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 39) Lincoln City 0

Dawson and Annan combined well to set-up Venney, but a covering defender bravely blocked the shot. Sub McMenemy also got through a lot of work in the second period.

City did threaten on occasions – nevertheless, Jackson & a well-marshalled defensive unit never really looked like conceding. Indeed, it was Clee that were the more fluent throughout an intriguing tie.

Loanee Moore-Billam definitely caught the eye, winning several challenges and making several neat passes.

A deserved second never arrived though, with Wright keeping the Owls at bay with another couple of athletic stops.

FT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 39) Lincoln City 0 Attendance: 122

A good work-out against well-disciplined and skilful opponents.

We should probably have got a couple more but credit to the Lincoln stopper – a fine display. Great to see Brody Robertson get off the mark for the campaign. First of many hopefully!

Nice to have the semi-finals to look forward to in early 2023. It would certainly be fantastic for the club to make it to another County showpiece.

Back to the NPL on Saturday with a visit to Stocksbridge – it would be lovely to see you there!

UP THE OWLS!