Town’s U17s secured top spot in their Cup group with a 3-1 victory over Lincoln City, completing a perfect record of three wins from three matches.
Having beaten Hull City and Mansfield Town in their opening two fixtures, the young Mariners travelled to Lincoln for their final group-stage game knowing a victory would maintain their 100% record.
Town made an excellent start and took the lead through Noah Hutton, who produced a mazy run to beat two defenders before calmly slotting the ball home.
Hutton doubled the Mariners’ advantage on the half-hour mark, rising highest to head home and put Town firmly in control at 2-0.
Lincoln threatened with a long-range effort that struck the crossbar, but the Mariners remained in command as they took their two-goal lead into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Town continuing to create opportunities. Darius Neagu forced an excellent save from the Lincoln goalkeeper as the visitors looked to extend their advantage.
The third goal eventually arrived through Max Horsman, who finished clinically with a low strike to put the result beyond doubt at 3-0.
Lincoln grabbed a consolation goal in the final minute, but it did little to take the shine off an impressive performance from the Mariners, who saw out the contest to secure all three points.
The victory means Town finish the group stage with three wins from three, having beaten Hull City, Mansfield Town and Lincoln City, and will now await confirmation of their opponents in the knockout stages.
Starting XI: Joe Roberts, Will Currie, Tyler Pratt, Henry Chisholm, Josh Edwards, James Binks, Max Horsman, Noah Hutton (C), Fortune Jack, Curtis Manyika, Darius Neagu.
Substitutes: Rhys Hall, Sam Bolder, Riley Chalk, Jack Martindale, Ted Sharp.
UTM
