Bailey Cadamarteri’s towering header was the difference as Lincoln City clinched their spot in the last 16 of the Vertu Trophy.
A determined performance saw the Imps edge Morecambe 1-0, with the young striker’s 19th-minute effort proving decisive on a night of positives for Michael Skubala’s side.
Players returning
The evening also marked the welcome return of Tyler Walker and Tom Bayliss from long-term injuries, both making substitute appearances to bolster City’s ranks. Head coach Skubala rotated his lineup, naming Tendayi Darikwa as captain and placing Walker and Bayliss on the bench, ready to feature if circumstances allowed.
The Imps started with intent at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. Just two minutes in, Dylan Duffy’s whipped cross demanded a sharp save from Morecambe keeper Stuart Moore. Cadamarteri was soon involved, his deflected shot coming after a clever delivery from full-back Carl Ring.
Moments later, Ethan Hamilton’s superb solo run set up another inviting ball from Ring, but it narrowly evaded both Cadamarteri and Freddie Draper in the box. At the other end, Jamie Pardington, making a rare start in goal, remained vigilant, parrying a dangerous cross from Jordan Slew under pressure.
The breakthrough came just before the 20-minute mark. Duffy, showing composure under pressure, sent in a perfect cross. Cadamarteri soared above Morecambe’s Max Taylor to flick a header past Moore, sending the home fans into raptures.
City maintained their dominance, with Hamilton firing narrowly wide after JJ McKiernan’s relentless work down the flank kept the attack alive. Morecambe had their moments, particularly in the second half when Ben Tollitt’s dangerous cross skimmed past both Hallam Hope and Slew.
Cadamarteri nearly doubled his tally, denied only by a last-ditch clearance from Rhys Williams following a pinpoint cross from Ring. Draper and substitute Reeco Hackett also came close to sealing the win; Hackett’s ferocious strike tipped onto the post by Moore in spectacular fashion.
The Shrimps thought they’d equalised late on when Hope slotted home a loose ball, but the assistant referee’s flag for offside dashed their hopes, ensuring City’s progression.
Writer’s View
Lincoln City demonstrated grit and composure to see off Morecambe and advance in the Vertu Trophy. Cadamarteri’s impact continues to be evident in the cup competitions, and Walker and Bayliss’ return offers a glimpse of growing strength in depth. While their finishing could be sharper, the Imps’ overall display reflects a team-building momentum for the challenges ahead.
