City impress in defeat to Forest

Lincoln suffered a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Saturday in the John Reames Memorial Trophy, with Radoslaw Majewski’s late goal proving decisive.

But City were far from disgraced in a performance that should have sent a message to the rest of the Blue Square Premier. For long periods, the Imps contained a strong-looking Forest side, which included the likes of Andy Reid, George Boateng, Chris Cohen, Chris Gunter, Lee Camp, Marcus Tudgay and Robbie Findley.

Skipper Josh Gowling showed what an immense signing he will be with a dominant display at the heart of the City back four, with Ali Fuseini and Alan Power again running the show in the centre of midfield. Lincoln have been crying out for a dominant centre-half for some time now and boss Steve Tilson has hit the jackpot in the highly-regarded Gowling.

Chances were at a premium for both sides, with Joe Anyon only called on twice to make routine saves, from Reid and Boateng, while for City, Jamie Taylor shot wide in the first half when latching on to an Anyon kick and the all-action Simon Russell cracked a thundering shot narrowly over the Forest bar midway through the second half. Makeshift right-back Adam Watts also cleared off the line from Reid before the break, but in truth Tilson’s men rarely looked troubled until the game changed with the introduction of a few substitutes. The changes affected City’s rhythm and after good work from Reid inside the home box, he laid the ball off for Majewski to fire in the winner.

Lincoln almost grabbed an injury-time goal when a cross from Stefan Cox was dropped by sub Reds keeper Paul Smith under pressure from Gavin McCallum, but no-one was on hand to take advantage.

Tilson – who admitted afterwards he is going to offer trialist Bradley Barraclough a one-year deal – was pleased with the application of his side, saying: ‘I was really pleased. There were loads of positives to come out of it. I was disappointed with the goal, but against opposition if you give them a chance like that, then nine times out of 10 they will score.’