Lincoln City fielded a team with several new faces for their Carabao Cup third round clash against AFC Bournemouth on the south coast. Head coach Tom Shaw handed first starts to deadline day signings Chieo Ogbene and Daniel Oyegoke, as well as Danish striker Mikkel Ladefoged, in a significant team selection.
Shaw's starting XI, as reported by Lincoln City Football Club, was Joe Gauci in goal, with a back line of Josh Honohan and Yunus Konak. Callum Elder and Daniel Oyegoke operated as full-backs. The midfield trio consisted of Tom Bayliss, Dom Jefferies, and captain Reeco Hackett. The attacking line featured Chieo Ogbene, Mikkel Ladefoged, and another player. The substitutes' bench included Wickens, Bradley, Elerewe, Coubis, Street, House, Varfolomeev, Wheatley, and Olaofe.
Who made their first start for Lincoln City?
Mikkel Ladefoged's inclusion was a notable moment, marking his first start since joining the club. The Danish forward had already made an impact off the bench, scoring his first goal for the Imps in a recent draw against Southampton to earn a valuable point. His selection alongside fellow newcomers Ogbene and Oyegoke indicated Shaw's intent to assess his squad depth in the cup competition. The team's current standings show a need for points, sitting 19th in the Championship with five points from five games.
What did Tom Shaw say before the match?
The head coach acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing his team. "This is a real challenge for us and one we’re looking forward to," Shaw stated in the build-up. He also tapped into the club's identity when facing superior opposition. "I said in the pre-match interview that this football club, when it’s an underdog, is a powerful and dangerous beast," he added. Shaw also praised the travelling support, noting that over 500 Lincoln fans made the long journey to the south coast, following positive reactions after recent home matches at ProAmpac Stadium.
How does this match fit into Lincoln's season?
The cup tie came during a mixed start to the league campaign for the Imps. Their Championship form reads one win, two draws, and two losses from their opening five fixtures. They have scored four goals and conceded six, leaving them with a negative goal difference. This places them six points behind early leaders West Ham. The immediate focus after the Bournemouth match shifts back to league survival, with a crucial away fixture against Preston North End, who are 24th, on September 12th. Fans can track the upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page.
What is the current injury situation?
While Shaw was able to name a strong side for the cup, the squad is not at full strength. Key defenders Tendayi Darikwa and Tom Hamer are currently sidelined with injuries. Their absence is felt in a defence that has conceded six goals in the early league season. Supporters can check the latest availability updates on the official injuries page. The team's next Championship assignment is at Deepdale against Preston North End on September 12, 2026.
