Team news, match updates and reaction as the Imps try to secure a spot in the knockout stage
Lincoln City underlined the quality of their squad by reserving their place in the EFL Trophy knockout stage with a 3-1 win at Mansfield Town
An Imps squad containing six changes, including a start for new signing Jamie Soule, have dominated the game for long stretches and ensured Michael Appleton’s side will join Manchester City U21s in the final 32 of the Northern Group E
It was Soule who opened the scoring just after the half hour Following a free kick from Mansfield, City broke to pace Remy Howarth broke into the box His effort was webbed by Aiden Stone and is fell perfectly for Soule, who pushed the ball home
The Imps got off to a quick start in the second half, with Anthony Scully and Soule getting closer together
Shortly after these opportunities, Scully made it 2-0 when his incline practice found the net through the inside of the post
Playing some fantastic football, the Imps continued to improve, although the third goal was kind of a gift
After goalkeeper Aidan Stone and defender Rollin Menayese confused at the edge of Mansfield’s penalty area, Theo Archibald bit into it, passing the ball over Stone and into the net
The Imps got a little loose late, Menayese fending off a goal with a header from a corner 14 minutes to go
Catch up on the match and follow the reaction in the thread below with Imps reporter Mark Whiley
Eyoma produces a fabulous block to refuse Gordon Town remains on the attack but Reid takes him over the bar
After a good race from Howarth, he was dismissed from Soule whose effort was reversed
These changes made a difference for the Stags who pin Lincoln for the first time in the game
The city plays wonderful football Some of the best I have ever seen from a Lincoln team A joy to watch Too bad there aren’t any fans in the ground to see it
Nice save from Ross, who had virtually nothing to do to prevent Benning from escaping
Goalkeeper Stone and defender both hesitated, leaving each other to care Archibald played, stepped on the ball and looped into the net
Edun and former Imp Kellan Gordon booked after a scrum near the sideline Appleton is furious and has a heated conversation with the 4th official Didn’t see what happened but suggestions that Gordon pushed Edun to the ground
Howarth drives forward and ravishes Scully, whose shot is blocked by a Corner Town defender
Scully runs through Should score but is denied by Stone Soule’s follow-up effort is wide
City’s brilliant start to halftime as Soule sees a shot from the edge of the box blocked
Just before the break Archibald had a blocked shot as he looked destined to go 2-0
Howarth hands it over to Edun who shoots in the side net I thought it was in a second!
Perch is booked for a terrible challenge on Soule who, to his credit, is doing nothing
Following a free kick from Stags, the Imps broke Howarth’s shot was repelled by Stone and Soule pushed the rebound
Lincoln City FC, Jamie Soule, West Bromwich Albion FC, Mansfield Town FC, EFL Trophy, EFL League One
World News – GB – Mansfield Town 1-3 Lincoln City: Classy Imps up to the knockout stage
