Ryan brace sinks Mariners

It may have only been the Lincolnshire County Senior Cup, but a win over ‘Enemy Number One’ is a win all the same, and Ollie Ryan’s brace for the Imps secured a 2-0 success over Grimsby Town at Sincil Bank.

The 21-year-old, who was handed a new six-month deal in the close season, struck in both halves to give boss John Schofield a timely reminder of his striking qualities.

Summer signing Michael Roddy lined up for a youthful City side, which featured just two first-teamers in Ryan and Phil Watt – and they turned in a useful performance against a Mariners side that included experienced pros such as Gary Jones, Gary Montgomery, Jamie Clarke and Peter Bore.

Ryan open the scoring after 10 minutes, showing good composure to slot past keeper Montgomery and then he doubled his tally in the 54th minute, latching onto Ayden Duffy’s big punt lashed a shot into the net from fully 25 yards.

Duffy was lucky to stay on the park shortly after after hauling down striker Andy Taylor as he bore down on goal, receiving just a yellow card for his troubles.

But City held on to their lead to book a place in the final against Scunthorpe United.