Lincoln City earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Leyton Orient, with Academy products Jovon Makama and Freddie Draper providing the goals that sealed the victory.
The win is another feather in the cap for head coach Michael Skubala, who has continued to place faith in the club’s young talent. This approach is clearly paying off, with Makama and Draper stepping up to deliver for the team.
Makama opened the scoring early in the second half, proving too much for the Orient defence to handle, while Draper added a second later on to secure the win. Despite a late goal from Leyton Orient’s Dan Agyei, Lincoln’s defence held strong, seeing out the game and securing all three points.
Skubala was full of praise for his young squad post-match, especially for the Academy graduates who played pivotal roles in the victory. “I thought Jovon’s quality shone through today,” Skubala told the club’s official channel. “It’s a testament to his hard work and development, and I’m really proud of him.” Draper, who has been on fine form in recent weeks, was also singled out for praise. “Freddie took his goal brilliantly. It was a finish that shows his growing confidence and composure,” Skubala added.
A Tale of Two Halves: Youthful Energy Carries Lincoln
The match was a clear example of Lincoln’s growing reliance on their Academy products, with Makama and Draper both playing key roles. Lincoln struggled to break down Leyton Orient’s defence in the first half, but their persistence paid off after the break. Makama, using his physicality and skill, put the Imps ahead just two minutes into the second half, heading home from a well-placed cross by Tom Hamer.
The game became more intense and physical as both sides battled for control. However, Lincoln’s young players continued to stand out, particularly Draper. His goal, a superb finish into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Erik Ring, highlighted his rising confidence and ability in front of goal.
Although Orient’s late goal caused some tension, Lincoln’s defence stood firm. Goalkeeper Wickens made crucial saves and commanded his box well, especially during six nerve-racking minutes of added time. Skubala’s side managed to hold on, showcasing both their resilience and determination.
Youth Development Key to Lincoln’s Success
One of the standout aspects of this Lincoln team is its reliance on homegrown talent. Skubala’s decision to trust in the Academy products is paying off handsomely. Alongside Makama and Draper, Sean Roughan, another Academy graduate, also impressed during the game. This core of young players is rapidly becoming the foundation of the team’s success.
Skubala is clearly proud of the progress his young players have made. “You look at Jovon, Freddie, and Sean, and we have to be proud of what they are doing. These lads have come through our Academy system and are now out there causing damage to teams,” he said. The coach’s words echo the importance of nurturing talent from within, a strategy that is helping Lincoln to climb the table.
The future looks bright for Lincoln City as they continue to trust in their youth. The combination of raw talent and seasoned leadership is creating a balanced squad capable of competing at a high level. This win, secured by the energy and brilliance of young stars, is just one of many indications that the Imps are a team on the rise.
Our View
Lincoln City’s 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient showcased the brilliance of their Academy graduates. The performances of Makama and Draper are proof that the club’s investment in youth is paying off. Their maturity, skill, and composure were key in securing the three points, and it’s no wonder that head coach Michael Skubala is proud of their development.
The victory highlights Lincoln’s tactical flexibility and their ability to rely on young players to make the difference. The combination of youthful exuberance and defensive discipline bodes well for the Imps as they continue their campaign.
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