Imps 1 Forest 0

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27th July 2006

Lincoln City FC secured another morale boosting victory just days before the new season begins.

This victory against Nottingham Forest was so good, that even Imps' striker Jamie Forrester is feeling compelled to warn people to "calm down" in today's edition of the Lincolnshire Echo.

Forest brought a strong side to Sincil Bank yet, as in previous friendlies, they failed to capitalise on their chances. Imps' goalkeeper Alan Marriott was forced to make several saves, including an excellent one in 13th minute to deny Neil Harris.

The Imps' midfield saw Lee Frecklington continue to stake a claim for a first team place via another fine all-round game. Last season, he struggled to win a place in Keith Alexander's favoured 5-2-3 formation but Frecklington is clearly relishing the faith shown in him by his former Imps youth team coach John Schofield.

Despite the praise, Lincoln are not 100% perfect, and in particular, they would do well to work on their set-pieces before August 5th.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 64th minute and it was another excellent goal that illustrated Lincoln's passing ability. Forrester began by passing to Frecklington, who introduced Ryan Amoo into the move. The ball was moved forward to Forrester, who tricked his marker, before firing a powerful shot that bounced into the net via the crossbar.

Schofield then made several alterations including bringing on Simon Rayner for Marriott. Rayner would go on to demonstrate that he is a capable understudy to Marriott, as he too made a couple of good saves to deny Forest an equaliser.

Lincoln City: Marriott (Rayner 66), Cryan, P. Morgan, Beevers, Amoo, Kerr, Sherlock, Frecklington, Stallard (Mettam 81), Bacon (Birch 81), Forrester (Ryan 81). Subs not used: Foster, Toyne, Watt, Kemp.

Nottm Forest: Smith, Cullip, Clingan, Gary Holt, W. Morgan, Breckin, Southall, Commons (Padula 15), Tyson, Lester (Perch 72), Harris.Subs not used: Eaden, James.