City entertained an Arsenal XI last night at Sincil Bank, and the 4,500 plus crowd were not disappointed with a decent competitive game.
Arsenal started with former WBA Jay Simpson as the only really noticeable face amongst an unfamiliar line up. However it soon became clear that although we haven’t heard of the players on display, we certainly would in the future. From the outset Jay Emmanuel Thomas looked a cut above, dictating play that appear to be dominated by Arsenal in the early exchanges.
City started with what many observers suggest may be something close to a starting XI, with Shane Clarke battling away in the holding role in Scott Kerr’s absence. Paul Connor and Chris Fagan led the line with Birmingham trialist Rob Gradwell conspicuous with his absence. Joe Heath and Cian Houghton appeared at full back with Kovacs and Danny Hone in the middle. Richard Butcher partnered Clarke in midfield with Aaron Brown and Jamie Clarke out wide.
Arsenal forged ahead with a two goal lead and looked confident and slick on the ball. Rob Burch had pulled off a couple of decent saves before the Arsenal goals.
Second half the Imps began to break sweat and fight back. Jamie Clarke in particular looked excellent making marauding runs down the right, whipping in a couple of lovely balls the Paul Connor looked to get on the end of. Indeed it was Clarke felled on the right that led to the Imps goal. The resulating Aaron Brown free kick evaded everyone in the area and made the score 2-1 before Chris Fagan hit a 25 yard stunner to silence the noisy visiting fans. However an 89th minute headed was dropped by Rob Burch and crept over the line for the winning goal.