Manchester City’s Under 21s saw their EFL Trophy campaign come to a close following a 5-0 loss to Lincoln City on Tuesday evening.
The result marks an early exit from the competition, as a dominant Lincoln performance overwhelmed Ben Wilkinson’s young side at the LNER Stadium.
Early Setback and Missed Chances
From the start, Lincoln City demonstrated why they’re a formidable force in the competition. An early header from Freddie Draper in the sixth minute set the tone, finding the net off the inside of the post and putting Man City behind for the first time this season in the EFL Trophy.
They looked for a quick response and controlled much of the possession in the early stages. However, an unfortunate near-miss came when Lincoln’s Bailey Cadamarteri almost capitalised on a weak back pass by City’s Josh Wilson-Esbrand. However, goalkeeper Max Hudson reacted quickly to prevent further damage. Man City continued to push forward, creating their best opportunity through a well-worked corner that allowed Wilson-Esbrand a shot on target.
One of City’s brightest moments in the first half came from Nico O’Reilly, who showcased skill and determination with a solo run that saw him beat multiple Lincoln defenders. However, just as he reached the edge of the Lincoln box, he was brought down with no foul awarded. Lincoln quickly took advantage of the momentum shift, with Cadamarteri doubling the Imps’ lead just before half-time by nodding in a well-placed corner.
Second Half Dominance from Lincoln
Lincoln wasted no time in the second half, with Rob Street scoring their third goal just four minutes after the restart. Following a dispossession on the edge of City’s box, Street capitalised by sending the ball home, widening the gap and making it an uphill battle for City.
Lincoln’s relentless attacking continued with a long-range effort from Zane Okoro, whose strike found its way past Hudson and into the bottom corner on the hour mark. JJ McKiernan added to the tally just minutes later, converting a cutback pass with a powerful finish that sealed the 5-0 victory and ensured Lincoln’s place in the knockout stages.
Writer’s View
Man City’s young squad faced a seasoned Lincoln side whose League One experience proved decisive. Despite controlling the ball at times, City struggled to penetrate Lincoln’s defence and paid the price for defensive lapses. This result highlights the physicality and precision required at senior levels, serving as a valuable learning experience for the squad. As they shift their focus, Ben Wilkinson’s side will aim to take these lessons forward in their development journey.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
