The final twenty minutes of the match were a masterclass in controlled, confident football. Apex, buoyed by their two-goal lead and the visible meltdown of their opposition, simply kept the ball.
They passed it in calm, patient triangles, the "olés" from the home crowd and the 6,000-strong virtual audience growing with every completed pass.
"And this is just a joy to watch," Tactics Tim purred, his voice filled with a professional's admiration.
"This is the mark of a top team. Not just the ability to score brilliant goals, but the intelligence to know when to take the sting out of the game. They are managing the clock with the composure of seasoned veterans."
The Lincoln City players, who had started the game with such fire, were broken.
They chased shadows, their frustration growing with every effortless Apex pass.
Then, in the 82nd minute, the game, which had settled into a calm, professional rhythm, decided to have one last, beautiful, ridiculous laugh.
