Lincoln City earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Leyton Orient, with goals from Jovon Makama and Freddie Draper securing the three points for Michael Skubala’s side.
The win was particularly sweet as both goals came from Academy graduates, highlighting the youth talent within the squad. Skubala identified this post-game as something to be proud of, when also considering another product of the academy, Sean Roughan, started the game.
The Imps started strongly, with Makama immediately proving a threat. He held off defenders well and set up an early chance for Tendayi Darikwa, whose cross nearly found the lurking Jeffries, but an Orient defender intervened to clear the danger. However, it wasn’t long before Orient showed their intent, with some neat play down the left allowing Ollie O’Neill to break into the City half. Tom Hamer was forced to concede a corner, but the resulting set-piece didn’t trouble the hosts.
The Imps were struggling to create clear opportunities, and it wasn’t until the 30th minute that Makama had another run at the Orient defence, his solo effort blocked by Jack Simpson, who was forced to drag down the City forward moments later as he bore down on goal. Simpson received a yellow card for the foul, with the game finely balanced but lacking decisive chances.
As half-time approached, Orient came close again when Jamie Donley’s curling shot from the edge of the box took a deflection, narrowly missing the net. From the resulting corner, Tom James unleashed a thunderous strike from 25 yards that rattled the crossbar, a reminder of Orient’s threat. The first half ended goalless, but there were signs that both sides were edging closer to breaking the deadlock.
City came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, with Makama once again the hero. A cross from Hamer was headed back across goal, and the powerful forward made no mistake, nodding home to give City the lead just two minutes into the half.
The game became more physical, with Dom Ball receiving a yellow card for a tough challenge on City captain Paudie O’Connor. Lincoln sought to extend their lead, with Draper trying an acrobatic effort that bounced wide. However, the young forward was not to be denied for long. After some clever work by substitute Erik Ring, Draper received the ball on the edge of the area, let it run across his body, and rifled a shot into the bottom left corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. City were now 2-0 up with just over 10 minutes to play.
Orient pulled one back late on, with Dan Agyei’s right-footed effort finding the back of the net in the 81st minute, setting up a nervy finish. However, City’s defence stood firm, and goalkeeper Wickens was on hand to collect a low corner as the Imps managed to hold on through six minutes of added time.
Lincoln head coach Skubala was full of praise for his young players after the game. The goalscorers, both Academy graduates, Jovon Makama and Freddie Draper, were instrumental in securing the victory. Skubala expressed pride in their performances and the positive impact they are having on the team.
“I thought Jovon’s quality shone through today,” Skubala said. “I was really proud of him because he got his goal and has done the business out there. It’s a testament to his hard work and development. He’s been a handful for defenders all season, and it was great to see him get his reward.”
Makama wasn’t the only Academy product to impress. Draper, who scored his second goal in three league games, was equally lauded by his coach. “Freddie took his goal brilliantly. It was a great pass from Erik Ring, and what a finish from Freddie. It was a superb finish, one that shows his growing confidence and composure in front of goal.”
Skubala highlighted the importance of having young, homegrown talent leading the team: “You look at Jovon, Freddie, and Sean Roughan, and we have to be proud of what they are doing. These lads have come through our Academy system and are now out there causing damage to teams. As a club, it’s something we can take great pride in.”
Skubala’s delight in the performance of his younger players was clear, and he will be hoping they can continue to deliver as the season progresses. The head coach’s decision to rely on Academy graduates is paying dividends, with the team climbing the table and looking strong.
Writer’s View
Lincoln City’s 2-1 win over Leyton Orient showcased both the promise and the importance of their young talent. The performances of Makama and Draper underline the club’s commitment to developing from within, and this win will surely boost their confidence going forward. Both players showed maturity beyond their years, with Makama’s physicality and Draper’s clinical finishing proving decisive. It’s no surprise that head coach Michael Skubala is proud of their contributions, and this match was a clear demonstration of the rewards of trusting in youth.
The game itself was a tale of two halves, with City lacking energy in the first half but responding superbly in the second. Skubala’s tactical adjustments and the injection of intensity after the break allowed Lincoln to take control. While Orient’s late goal added tension, Lincoln’s defence held firm, a testament to their resilience. The combination of youthful energy and defensive discipline bodes well for the Imps as they continue their campaign. This victory not only adds three points but also serves as a signal that Lincoln are a team on the rise.