Lincoln City’s under-18s were left frustrated after falling to a late defeat away at Oldham Athletic on Saturday.
Despite creating several good chances in the second half and producing an improved performance after the break, a stoppage-time goal denied the young Imps what would have been a deserved point.
City grew into the game after a quiet opening period from both sides. The visitors were awarded a first-half penalty, but Latics goalkeeper Harvey Hampson guessed correctly to keep the score level.
After the restart, Oldham were the side asking most of the questions. A fine save from the Imps keeper Taylor denied Abz Muhammed from close range, before further efforts from Rohan Butler and Charlie Kershaw narrowly missed the target as Oldham pressed for the opener.
Sam Tillen’s side included four under-16 players, yet they showed maturity throughout the second half. Substitute Timi Bada made a strong impact from the bench, finding pockets of space in advanced areas and driving City forward. His energy helped sustain pressure as the visitors continued to push for a breakthrough.
However, the decisive moment went the way of the home side in added time. A deep cross from the right was nodded back into the danger area, where Will Decandia headed past Taylor to snatch the points for Oldham.
City’s players continued to fight in the closing minutes but could not find a response before the final whistle. Head coach Sam Tillen praised the improvement after half-time and the growing cohesion within his young squad.
“We tried to get the boys up the pitch a bit quicker because the gap between the lines was too big,” said Tillen. “That allowed us to regain possession higher and create more options with the ball, which led to the flurry of chances we had in the second half. On another day, one of those goes in.”
Tillen also singled out Bada for praise:
“He was really good when he came on, found space between their midfield and defence, and carried the ball with purpose. He took his opportunity well and has put himself in contention for more minutes.”
City U18: Taylor, Chipperfield, Don-Duncan, Huggins (Preston 61′), Tunstall (Sagoo 55′), Hutton (Blant 81′), Mande (Bada 55′), Inyama, Kennealey, Cowin, Wilson.