6pm GMT Kick Off, Sincil Bank, League One Playoff Semi Final First Leg
Tom Hopper and Brennan Johnson Give The Imps The Lead The Playoff Semi Final, As They Look Towards Wembley.
Two second half goals from Lincoln put them in pole position to take them to the League One playoff final.
Many questions before the game were about Lincoln City’s emergency signing. Alex Palmer picked up an injury ahead of the game, so Lincoln loaned in Josef Bursik from Stoke City.
It was the home team who had the first chance. A cross field ball was played to Anthony Scully, who took it down well. His shot had the power, but just too much height as it flew over the bar.
From a corner, Lincoln went close again. The ball was headed clear to Lewis Montsma who tried his luck from range. Lee Burge was behind the effort from the Dutchman.
Brennan Johnson came close to giving the home team the lead. He made a drive through the midfield towards the Sunderland’s defense. His shot was tipped onto the post by Burge. Then Scully fired a ball across the box shortly after, which Tom Hopper just couldn’t get on the end of.
Just before the break, Sunderland had their first really chance of the game when Lynden Gooch was able to turn his defender, and tried a curling effort, which was just wide of the target.
Once the second half kicked off, Sunderland were close to opening the scoreline, this time Jordon Jones tried his luck from range, which was tipped onto the bar by Bursik. Sunderland carried on the front foot, and hit the bar once again, this time from Bailey Wright’s header.
Moments later, Lincoln took the lead. After Jorge Grant’s shot was saved, he played a ball towards the back stick, Tom Hopper was able to pounce on the ball and poke it past Burge, scoring Lincoln’s 100th goal this season.
Bursik was called into action yet again. Aiden McGeady got the ball onto his right foot after beating a few of the Lincoln defenders. His shot was well saved before the ball was cleared.
Lincoln were able to double their lead 15 minutes caused by a mistake from Tom Flanagan and Burge. Burge took too long to clear the ball, Johnson applied the pressure on the keeper, who kicked it into the teenager, who slotted the ball into an empty net. Lincoln were able to hold on to their two goal lead, as they head to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
This result means Sunderland must improve their performance on Saturday at the Stadium of Light. Lincoln were able to take their chances tonight, having a strong advantage before the second leg, which Sunderland must break if they are going to return to the Championship next season.
Man Of The Match: Liam Bridcutt
The former Sunderland player was the center piece for Lincoln, helping the team in both attack and defense.
He was the clog in the midfield which involved the whole team. He broke up many of the Sunderland chances, and helped create them for his side.
Final Whistle 