Lincoln City 2 - 1 Cardiff City. Match Report

Last Updated : 21-Dec-2025 by BBC Sport

Lincoln City moved into the League One automatic promotion places after beating league leaders Cardiff City at a foggy LNER Stadium.

The Imps took the lead in fortuitous style shortly before the break, as Alex Robertson's attempt to intercept a Lincoln pass diverted the ball into his own net.


The Bluebirds struck back three minutes into the second half, Perry Ng chipping George Wickens to cap off a stylish attack from the visitors.

But Lincoln had the last laugh in the battle between the two promotion chasers, as Sonny Bradley's header from close range secured all three points.

Victory for Lincoln, combined with Bradford's defeat at Leyton Orient, means Michael Skubala's rise to second in League One.

Brian Barry-Murphy's side remain top of the pile, but their lead is down to three points - albeit with a game in hand.

The hosts made one change from their 2-2 draw with Blackpool last time out, with Freddie Draper coming in for Ryley Towler.

The Bluebirds were without first-choice goalkeeper Nathan Trott, who was replaced by Matthew Turner in one of four changes from their EFL Cup quarter-final loss to Chelsea in midweek.

Lincoln started the brighter of the two sides, with Reeco Hackett heading straight at Turner with the first meaningful chance of the game.

Turner was called into action once more three minutes later to keep out Tendayi Darikwa's shot from distance.

At the other end Yousef Salech came closest for Cardiff, the striker hitting the crossbar before excellent defensive work to clear from Hackett.

The deadlock was finally broken in bizarre fashion when Robertson - one of the four changes made by Barry-Murphy - attempted to intercept Hackett's pass to Moylan, bu instead the Cardiff midfielder poked the ball past his own goalkeeper.

The Bluebirds hit back quickly in the second half, Ng and Salech combining excellently before an exquisite finish from the Cardiff right-back levelled proceedings.

Wickens then had to be alert to first deny Robertson and then Ryan Wintle, with momentum seemingly with the visitors.

But with 67 minutes on the clock Lincoln restored their lead, as Tom Bayliss' corner found Bradley at the back post, and the 34-year-old made no mistake with his header.

Defeat ends a run of five-straight League One wins for the Bluebirds, who had started to pull away at the top of the table.

For Lincoln, a third win in four games lifts them up to second, a point clear of Bradford.

Lincoln City: Wickens, Darikwa, Hamer, Bradley, Reach, McGrandles, Bayliss (Varfolomeyev 90+5), Hackett (Jefferies 86'), Draper (Obikwu 63'), Moylan (Towler 63'), Street (Okoronkwo 86'). 

Subs Not Used: Jeacock, Towler, Ring.

Cardiff City: Turner, Ng, Fish, Lawlor, Bagan (Kpakio 46'), Robertson (Robinson 74'), Wintle (Turnbull 82'), Kellyman, Ashford, Willock (Davies 74'), Salech. 

Subs Not Used: Chambers, J.Colwill, Tanner.