Defender Scott Wharton, on loan from Blackburn, made quite a name for himself last weekend with his first goal in City colours.
The thumping header gave us the upper hand in our clash with Chesterfield, a comfortable platform on which super sub Ollie Palmer built the rest of our 3-1 victory.
I caught up with Scott this week for the match day magazine #uti where we chatted about Lincoln City, his career so far and the rest of the lads getting to Wembley. For the full interview, make sure you pick up a copy this weekend.
20-year old Scott’s involvement in the competition was minimal this season, with an old friend of ours having a hand in keeping his appearances limited.
“I was sent off in the Checkatrade earlier this season, I lasted twenty minutes and got sent me off against Rochdale. It was for a high boot, it was in a local derby and to be fair it was a clumsy challenge and something I must learn from.”
There’s an enormous difference between U23 football and League Two. U23 football is all ‘passy passy’, but in this league you’ve got big tackles flying in
The referee that dismissed Scott? A certain Mr Stockbridge. We know all about Seb and his interpretation of the high foot rule. How ironic that Billy Knott is now playing for Rochdale!
As for the trophy itself, Scott is one of the players it is aimed at, a young home-grown talent looking for experience of men’s football, and he told me he sees the benefit of the competition, despite the backlash from fans.
“I do see the benefit of the Checkatrade Trophy. It is good for the younger lads to play against men. This is my second loan spell out now and there’s an enormous difference between U23 football and League Two. U23 football is all ‘passy passy’, but in this league you’ve got big tackles flying in and you’ve got to be on it, winning your headers and throwing challenges about. You’ve got to do the dirty work.”
There’s much more from Scott in the magazine, including his views on City’s promotion hopes, his experience on loan at Cambridge as well as a frank assessment of the quality in the squad at the moment. Don’t miss it.