Lincoln City warm up against former Hungarian League champions Ferencváros

Lincoln City held Hungarian top flight team Ferencváros to a goalless draw at Sincil Bank last night in front of 1,221 fans. It was a useful workout for the Imps who fielded their four summer signings and also a couple of trialists.

All four of the new signings, Richard Butcher, Joe Heath (6 month loan), Jamie Clarke and Chris Fagan had steady games. Joe Heath had a great game at left back and has a very promising future ahead of him. It is unlikely Lincoln will be able to buy him after his loan spell from Nottingham Forest ends such is his potential.

The trialists were ex Cheltenham Town, Rochdale and Stoke City forward Paul Connor and right back Cian Hughton. Connor did everything right up front but lacked any real penetration. However, if he can regain any of the form that saw Rochdale pay £150,000 for his services then he could prove to be a shrewd buy. Hughton had a great game at right back. He made numerous surging runs in the opposition half and also when called upon in defence he held firm and put in some solid tackles. Hopefully Peter Jackson will be able to offer a suitable contract to Hughton as he seems to have a lot of potential.

Enigmatic midfielder Stefan Oakes started the game on the bench but when he was called upon with 25 minutes to play he produced some stunning long range passes. Whether he can produce this form in League 2 next season remains to be seen but I for one hope he does as on his day he can be our best player.

Next up in pre-season for the Lincoln City first team squad is Boston United away on the 15th July with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Lincoln City's pre-season 2009/20010

Lincoln City's pre-season got under way last week when the squad travelled over to Germany and the plan was to play two fixtures. The first against an army team was called off after the Lincoln City management thought the pitch was a bit on the dangerous side. The second match arranged was against lower league German team TuS Celle FC. Although the Imps lost 1-0 it was a solid workout for them with all players given a run out. Rob Burch save a first half penalty and although Lincoln dominated they failed to score. They were undone in the 37th minute through a deflected effort.

Lincoln's first home friendly of the season on the 8th July also has a European flavour about it when they play former Hungarian champions Ferencváros who have just been promoted back to the top flight. Ferencváros is presently owned by Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe and last night won 5-1 at Sheffield FC, the oldest club in the world. They finish their mini tour with a visit to Barnsley on Saturday 11th July. Ferencváros is the most famous football team to come out of Hungary. They have a great pedigree having won 28 championships, the Hungarian Cup 26 times and appeared in numerous European club tournaments. Quite simply put, they are the Manchester United or Liverpool of Hungary!

Other pre-season friendly fixtures involving Lincoln City's first team:

15th July - (A) Boston United (7.30pm)
20th July - (H) Arsenal XI (7.30pm)
28th July - (H) Sheffield United (7.30pm)
30th July - (H) Grimsby Town or Scunthorpe Utd, Lincs Cup Final (7.30pm)
1st August - (A) Goole Town (3pm)