Lincoln City's pre-season preparations took a hit as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Barnsley. The Imps struggled to find their footing in the game, with Barnsley taking an early lead and never looking back.

What Happened?

Lincoln City rounded off a double-header of friendly action with many more questions than answers in Yorkshire. After a promising but ultimately meaningless game earlier in the day with six trialists, a full XI of City players were beaten 3-0 by League One Barnsley.

Why it Matters for Lincoln City

The loss to Barnsley raises concerns about Lincoln City's ability to compete with teams from higher divisions. The Imps will need to regroup and refocus if they want to make a strong push for promotion this season.

What Comes Next?

Lincoln City will look to bounce back from this loss in their next friendly match. The Imps will need to work on their defense and find ways to create more scoring opportunities if they want to succeed in the Championship.

Lincoln City made a bright start, creating the first clear opening after three minutes. McGrandles released the Imps down the left-hand side, where Elder and Towler combined before the latter pulled the ball back for Varfolomeev. His effort beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar.

Barnsley immediately broke up the other end and took the lead. Despite Varfolomeev recovering his position, Kelly found space inside the area and scored from around 12 yards.

Elerewe required treatment for a head injury following a long throw after eight minutes, although he was able to return to the action. City continued to play some decent football, with Varfolomeev driving a free kick into a crowded penalty area before the ball was cleared.

McGrandles, Hackett, and Reach were all involved in another promising passage of play after 19 minutes, although the resulting cross came to nothing. The Imps continued to move the ball well without creating too much, with Hackett, Street, and Varfolomeev combining during another attack shortly after the half-hour mark.

Hackett received the first booking of the afternoon after 28 minutes, arriving late on Connell and prompting several Barnsley players to shout that it was only pre-season. Connell was then shown a yellow card two minutes later following a late challenge on Varfolomeev.

Street took a boot to the face after 32 minutes, although no foul was awarded, with the contact appearing accidental. Towler became the third player booked six minutes later after pulling Richards down on the right flank.

City came close again shortly before the interval. A deep corner was met by Elerewe, whose header was cleared off the line, although the referee had already blown his whistle.

After two Barnsley corners, a big Wickens punt upfield found Street, who cleverly used his body to beat Earl, but could only stab at goal, leaving Slicker to scramble back and collect.

There was still time for a second, and a soft one at that. City looked comfortable, but a long ball to the back stick was nodded into the danger zone, and Kirk headed home from six yards.

Towler made way for Draper at the start of the second half. City won an early corner. Hackett pulled the delivery across goal, but Barnsley hacked the ball clear.

Richards then latched onto a long ball over the top at the other end, although he scooped his effort well wide. City responded with another neat move as Elerewe and Street combined to release Draper, but he was tackled before he could shoot, earning a corner.

Barnsley created an opening after 52 minutes through a smart move which began with the goalkeeper. McGeehan eventually received the ball in a shooting position, but his effort was deflected over.

Connell also saw a shot blocked inside the area five minutes later as City became a little sloppy during the opening st