Imps fight back to overcome Villa

Ben Wright battles with Steve Sidwell and Freddie Bouma

Lincoln produced a stirring second-half comeback to beat Aston Villa 3-1 in their friendly at Sincil Bank.

The Premier League side took an early lead when Norwegian striker John Carew capitalised on a defensive error.

City equalised in the 54th minute with Janos Kovacs powerfully heading home Stefan Oakes' free kick.

The Imps took the lead in the 73rd minute when Lenell John-Lewis converted an Oakes corner and Ben Wright's low shot made it 3-1 two minutes later.

Manager Peter Jackson told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "The performance got stronger as the game went on.

I've got a terrific group of players who want to work hard and who want to be winners Peter Jackson

"The most pleasing thing for me is the manner in which we won, we didn't try to kick our way through the game, we played attractive football and thoroughly deserved to win."

Athough Jackson was reluctant to read too much into the pre-season victory, which was watched by a crowd of over 5,000, he felt that it would hopefully be a sign of things to come.

"I've got a terrific group of players who want to work hard and who want to be winners.

"With the talent we've got, we have a real chance this year, I know that, the players know that and the fans know that."