Rovers edged out by Lincoln’s makeshift side
Doncaster Rovers were beaten 1-0 in a friendly at the Eco-Powered Arena as Lincoln City ran out narrow winners despite naming a heavily experimental side. The Imps used the match to assess several trialists while Doncaster selected a number of established players as they continue preparations for the new campaign.
Lincoln’s starting XI was notable for the inclusion of multiple players auditioning for contracts. Among them, record signing Andrei Coubiș made his first appearance, and goalkeeper Joe Gauci kept goal. The rest of the lineup featured a mixture of regulars and hopefuls: Max Clark, Adam Jackson, Marvin Johnson, Matt Smith, Mickel Miller, Oscar Thorn, Fejiri Okenabirhie, Josh Honohan and Evan Khouri.
Doncaster’s side looked strong on paper, with several familiar faces in the starting line-up including James Husband, Alfie May, Isaac Hutchinson and former Lincoln player Hakeeb Adelakun. There were also names on the bench of interest to fans, such as Brandon Hanlan.
Key moments from the first half
The hosts started brightly and had the first real chance after five minutes when Jordan Thomas delivered a cross that forced Alfie May to head over. Another promising move soon after saw Hutchinson combine with Harry Clifton, but the resulting volley was off target. Doncaster continued to create openings and tested Lincoln’s defence and goalkeeper on a few occasions.
Lincoln’s new signing Coubiș made a notable defensive contribution in the 13th minute by dispossessing Hutchinson in a dangerous area. As the half progressed, there were changes forced by injury when Husband was substituted after 25 minutes with Jack Senior taking his place.
What the line-ups looked like
- Lincoln City (starting XI): Joe Gauci, Max Clark, Andrei Coubiș, Adam Jackson, Marvin Johnson, Matt Smith, Mickel Miller, Oscar Thorn, Fejiri Okenabirhie, Josh Honohan, Evan Khouri.
- Lincoln substitutes (selected): Lewy Oliver, Charlie Parks, Jamie Pardington, Donald Inyama, Leo Fifield, Isaac Shaw.
- Doncaster (selected starters): James Husband, Alfie May, Isaac Hutchinson, Hakeeb Adelakun among others; Brandon Hanlan listed among substitutes.
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 5' | Jordan Thomas crosses; Alfie May heads over |
| 13' | Coubiș wins the ball from Hutchinson |
| 25' | James Husband replaced by Jack Senior (injury) |
Signs for supporters and transfer talk
Much of the pre-match conversation focused on transfer activity. Midfielder Jack Moylan has been linked with a move away to Cardiff City, while there has been talk of striker Mikkel Ladefoged arriving from Västerås. Those rumours were not resolved by this friendly and, as with most summer fixtures, line-ups and personnel can be fluid.
The match offered a useful run-out for trialists on both sides and gave Doncaster a chance to sharpen attacking combinations ahead of competitive action. For supporters watching, there were encouraging flashes but also areas to tidy up if Rovers are to hit the ground running this season.
Further details on squad decisions and any confirmed transfers are expected to follow as clubs finalise their squads in the coming weeks.
