Lincoln City headed to county rivals Boston United for the latest match of their pre-season preparations, with The Jakemans Community Stadium providing the background for Mark Kennedy and his men.
Lincoln has drawn their opening two friendlies 1-1, against Stockport in Spain and King’s Lynn Town on Tuesday night. Ian Culverhouse’s Boston have beaten Boston Town and lost to League Two Doncaster Rovers in their opening matches. There was no danger of a draw today as the visitors ran out 7-0 winners over their National League North opponents.
Both sides have delved into the transfer market as they bolster their squad and the new arrivals were on display for this match. Boston fielded no fewer than seven recruits in their starting lineup, including new captain and former City favourite Michael Bostwick. The Imps had four of their summer signings on display, with perhaps the biggest of their acquisitions, Tyler Walker, not making the match-day squad.
So, what can we take from this pre-season run-out?
Formation- What To Expect
Last season, Mark Kennedy utilised a formation that had three centre-backs and became a five when possession was lost. On Saturday afternoon he began with the same, trusted set-up but with the wing backs playing higher up the pitch to create a 3-4-3 approach. Listening to goal scorer Danny Mandroiu talk to BBC Radio Lincolnshire reporter Rob Makepeace after the victory, this formation is here to stay. The Irishman said, “We know the system inside out, we know when to press, we know when to sit in, we know when to counter-attack.”
The second half saw a raft of personnel changes but Mark Kennedy didn’t move away from the formation that he favours. What will be interesting is when new singing Tyler Walker is introduced to the side and if that would see a change to the formation, though listening to Mandroiu it would seem Walker will fit into the current system.
Lincoln City’s Young Squad
I recently penned an article looking deeper into the success of the loan spell at Drogheda United for young professional Elicha Ahui so it was pleasing to get the opportunity to watch him in the red and white stripes, well, the away kit at least. He was one of the ten changes made in the second half and took his place on the left as Jay Benn occupied the wing-back role on the right. Ahui had the better of his opponent and created a few opportunities with his crossing, providing Charley Kendall with the assist for the sixth goal.
He was joined by fellow youngsters Hayden Cann, Jovon Makama, Oisin Gallacher, Morgan Worsfold-Gregg, Dylan Duffy and Jay Benn alongside goal scorer Kendall. It was only Adam Jackson and Ted Bishop who entered the field in the second half who could be classed as experienced players. With Tyler Walker the only player not involved, aside from long-term injury victim Lewis Montsma, I can’t help but feel City are still a little light in terms of numbers. The future looks very bright with a host of talented young players on the books but they would perhaps benefit from a suitable loan move, like Freddie Draper, to continue their development.
Where Does City Need To Improve?
I believe the club still need to add a centre back to their squad to provide cover and competition for the likes of Adam Jackson, who has yet to complete 30 league games in his time at the club. TJ Eyoma played as the right-sided centre half but he has had an inconsistent time of things this last year to 18 months and Sean Roughan is still only 19 years of age and would be expected to have periods when his performance levels will drop.
Any addition to the backline would also free, if necessary, TJ Eyoma to take up the right wing-back role should Lasse Sorensen need to be taken out of the team or a switch to the midfield.
I also believe an extra central midfielder is needed to add to Alistair Smith, Ethan Erhahon and Ted Bishop. Bishop only managed 24 league matches last season so an extra body in that area of the field would help ease the workload on Smith and Erhahon.
Where Does Tyler Walker Fit In?
The Imps looked sharp in front of goal, ruthlessly smashing their hosts for seven. Ben House started in his usual position as the central frontman and was his industrious self when chasing down the goalkeeper, forcing the foul for the penalty. Once he is up to speed, Tyler Walker will not have come to Lincoln to sit on the bench, but where does he fit in this team?
Perhaps it is obvious, Mark Kennedy goes with two up front and partners House and Walker. The thing is, it isn’t that simple. Including Walker in a two-man striking unit would mean a reshuffle of the whole system. Would the manager drop his new signing Reeco Hackett or Danny Mandroiu? If he did, how would the midfield shape up? Would we move away from the back five to accommodate the inclusion?
Is the more likely outcome is that Walker will play but as a direct swap for one of the wide attackers and not force a formation change? A wide role perhaps wouldn’t play to Walker’s strengths and most certainly would not to those of Ben House. It is a real dilemma for Kennedy yet not necessarily a bad one to have!
Michael Bostwick Is Still Brilliant!
Lincoln cult hero Bostwick joined Boston this summer in something of a coup for the National League North outfit after helping Stevenage to promotion from League Two. He was somewhat of a surprise signing for The Imps when he left Peterborough United for Sincil Bank. Over his three seasons at the club, he would be a key part of the side that won the Football League Trophy and the League Two title while becoming a huge fan favourite with his no-nonsense displays.
For the opening half an hour, I thought Bostwick looked like someone who will dominate the National League North. He kept things so simple, was always available for the ball and won aerial duels when required. If the Pilgrims surround him with a little pace, his experience and quality will be immense this season.
