Sunderland made a winning return to the Papa John’s Trophy as Lee Johnson’s youthful side secured the points.
Sunderland made the perfect start to the game as Dan Neil gave the lads the lead. Stephen Wearne doubled the lads’ lead mid-way through the second half, the hosts managed to get a consolation late on, but Sunderland secured the win.
Lee Johnson made wholesale changes to the side that were thrashed at Portsmouth with Aiden O’Brien the only one keeping his place. Neil captained a young Sunderland side that featured the likes of Harrison Sohna, Ellis Taylor, Will Harris as well as a return for Denver Hume.
Sunderland last played Lincoln back in the playoffs, where the Imps were successful in reaching the final; this time, the hosts will have “the king” Chris Maguire looking to get one over his old side.
The lads got off to a flying start through the captain Neil; O’Brien did well to pick him out and, Neil unleashed a stunning half volley into the top corner.
13 minutes in, Neil fancied his chances from range again and from the same position couldn’t beat Sam Long, who comfortably saved.
Johnson will have been delighted his young side’s effort in the early stages, they were in control of possession and deservedly led through Neil’s strike.
As to be expected, there wasn’t much of a tempo in the game, both sides had much bigger priorities this season.
Half an hour in and the game had opened up, Lincoln had a flurry of chances from Remy Longdon and then Maguire forced Lee Burge into a few great saves.
Sunderland almost doubled their lead as Harris’ long-range effort was dragged just wide of Long’s goal.
The lads almost doubled their lead in wonderful fashion as O’Brien’s curling effort had Long beaten, but it crashed off the far post.
Lincoln almost equalised two minutes into the second half as Jamie Robson’s strike from range was tipped over by Burge.
Sunderland had a wonderful chance to double the lead as Neil slipped through Harris, but the young forward couldn’t beat Long.
The lads doubled the lead through substitute Stephen Wearne, Neil’s ball in was missed by the Lincoln keeper and the debutant managed to bundle it in.
To sum up how much this game meant to Johnson, Harris was replaced up top by ‘Mr versatile’ Luke O’Nien.
On the break, Lincoln almost caught Sunderland out as a ball was whipped into Anthony Scully, but Lincoln’s star man couldn’t apply the finish.
Lincoln scored a consolation in the last minute of the game as the hosts pressed for a goal, and Montsma came up from the back and rifled an effort past Burge.
Full Time: Lincoln 1-2 Sunderland
ALS Man of the Match: Dan Neil
Sunderland: Burge; Richardson, Alves, Younger, Hume; Sohna, Neil; Pritchard, O’Brien, Taylor (Wearne 62’); Harris (O’Nien 75’ Embleton 82’)
Subs Not Used: Carney, Almond, Newall, Kachosa
