The U18s started their defence of the Midland Youth Cup tonight with a 3-1 win over Boston United.
Having trailed to a 13th minute goal, the City youngsters levelled shortly before the break when skipper Luke Weaver headed home a Rob Taylor cross.
Alex Simmons edged the Imps in front in the 57th minute, firing home after a mazy run from Aaron Rice had ended with Jordan Thomas getting in an effort towards the back post, and it was left to Rice to wrap things up five minutes later.
This was the first of two group games for City at his, the first stage of this season's competition, with a home game against Chesterfield, who the young Imps defeated in last season's final, to follow later in the year.
City: Pannell; Rawdon, Weaver, Leggett, Green (Ward 60); Taylor (Cotton 64), Bowles, Everington; Rice, Simmons, Thomas.
