Freddie Draper’s second-half goal earned Lincoln City a vital three points on the road. The 1-0 win at Ashton Gate lifts the Imps into eighth place in the Championship, occupying the final play-off position after seven games of their first second-tier season in over sixty years.
The decisive moment arrived eight minutes after the restart. Draper, scoring for the second consecutive match, found the net in the 53rd minute after a move involving Ben House. The victory extends Lincoln’s unbeaten run to three games and pushes their points tally to 11, just three points behind league leaders West Ham.
Before the match, the focus was on a serious injury to Bristol City defender Rob Dickie, who was stretchered off. Joint head coach Chris Cohen opened his post-match comments by sending the club’s best wishes. "Before all that, we saw Rob Dickie pick up what looked like a really bad injury," Cohen said. "I've been there as a player myself and everyone at the football club wishes him a speedy recovery."
Cohen credits Skubala
The win came against a side now managed by Michael Skubala, who left Sincil Bank for Ashton Gate in May. Cohen, appointed alongside Tom Shaw after Skubala’s departure, was quick to credit his predecessor. "What Michael did for me and Tom will never be forgotten," Cohen stated. "We genuinely want him to win loads of football matches."
He added that the team would share a drink with Skubala after media duties, but stressed that the respect was mutual and born from the foundation Skubala helped build. Cohen described the performance as a "Lincoln City goal" win, achieved by the group implementing their plans effectively and fighting for every ball.
The result continues a positive start for Lincoln, whose recent form reads two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings. Defensively, the Imps have conceded just six goals this season, matching their total scored for a goal difference of zero.
Attention now turns swiftly to another significant challenge. Lincoln City host second-placed Swansea at Sincil Bank this Saturday. The upcoming fixtures present a major test of their early-season credentials against one of the division’s form teams. Cohen emphasised the collective spirit driving the side forward. "The way the boys get after it as a group is amazing to see," he said. "We give ourselves a chance and did that well tonight." The squad’s availability for that clash can be checked on the club’s injuries page.
With 11 points on the board from a possible 21, Lincoln City have given themselves a platform. The 1-0 victory at Bristol City, sealed by Draper’s 53rd-minute finish, proves they can compete and collect points on the road in the Championship.
Read the full report at Bristol Live
Lincoln City host Swansea on Saturday, September 19. The Imps, eighth in the Championship with 11 points from seven games, are on a two-game winning run. Freddie Draper scored the winner in both victories, netting in the 53rd minute against Bristol City and the 81st minute against Preston. Swansea, second in the table, visit LNER Stadium after a 3-1 home win over Burnley.
Joint head coach Chris Cohen says the club must discuss using first-team players in the upcoming County Cup tie against Spalding. Lincoln City, 9th in the Championship with 11 points, have a larger senior squad this season. "If there's opportunity for players to get minutes in games that are competitive... Then yeah, we would utilise it," Cohen said. He noted the decision will involve discussions with the club's hierarchy. The Imps host Swansea on Saturday.
Lincoln City have now kept four clean sheets during their five-game unbeaten run, according to a BBC Sport fans' verdict published on September 19. The Imps, who are 9th in the Championship with 11 points from seven games, secured their latest 1-0 win at Bristol City on September 15. Freddie Draper scored the decisive 53rd-minute goal, assisted by Ben House.
