Imps lose to Celtic but play well

Lincoln City may have lost 4-1 to Celtic but that scoreline didn't tell the true story of the game. City took the lead through Jarrett and were generally the better team for long periods, but Celtic capitalised on some poor defending to win the game.

City started the game impressively with Carayol in particular standing out for the Imps. Celtic had one or two half chances before Carayol hit a shot just wide of the post from distance. It wasn't long before City did score though as a patient build up that involved half the team saw Jarrett calmly control a Carayol cross before smashing it past the Celtic goalkeeper.

Broughton went off injured and he was replaced by Facey, whom set up several half chances before O'Keefe accidentally headed a clearance straight into the feet of Daryl Murphy, the new Celtic signing hitting it in off the post for Celtic's first shot on target. It wasn't long before it was 2-1 to the Scots as Hutchinson pounced at the second time of asking from a cross.

The second half again saw City have several good chances to take draw level but Celtic extended their lead with a rather undeserved third goal. Anyon parried a shot (whilst stood upright) straight to a Celtic player, it fell to another Celtic player who then played it across the box for Hutchinson to make it 3-1.

Simon Ferry eventually made it 4-1 with a shot from 25 yards. All in all it was an interesting day at Sincil Bank with Celtic fans fighting amongst themselves, setting off flares and smoke bombs, whilst creating a fantastic atmosphere.

Despite the scoreline, City fans will be optimistic for the season because of the performance. 4-1 certainly flattered the Scots and City were unlucky to only get the one, but oh well.