Lincoln City 0, Huddersfield Town 2

City's run in the Vertu Trophy came to an end - with former Imp Joe Taylor having the decisive impact in a tight encounter with Huddersfield Town.

Taylor, who struck 10 goals for City while on loan in 2023/24 - struck from close range early in the second half before Murray Wallace added gloss to the scoreline with a header in time added on.

Head coach Michael Skubala made nine changes to the squad who earned all three points against Port Vale in League One on Saturday. Goalscorer Reeco Hackett retained his place with Tom Hamer, while Ivan Varfolomeev and Dexter Lembikisa were among the players coming into the line-up.

Skubala was forced into an early change with Freddie Draper coming on for the injured James Collins, and Hamer taking on the captain’s armband.

After the defeat the Imps’ boss said he was proud of his side’s efforts and highlighted the importance of getting some players much needed minutes in a competitive fixture.

“Overall we’re disappointed because we wanted to get through to the next round, but we haven’t done and now we have to focus on the league.  

“Even though the result didn’t go our way, I was proud of how our players kept going right until the end.  

“They were still pushing to get back into it until the final whistle and we know we have a team that will go right until the end. The fans know that too. 

“We’re in a good place in the league and it was important to get some players on the pitch who needed minutes. 

“It was a very competitive game and while we’re disappointed to be going out, I can’t fault the lads’ efforts.”  

Attendance: 2,016 (211 away)

Picture: Vaughan Photography

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