Lincoln City have made a positive beginning upon their return to the Championship, earning 11 points from their initial seven matches and recording four shutouts. Their latest success was a narrow 1-0 triumph on the road against Bristol City, achieved thanks to a goal from Freddie Draper in the second half. This run of results, featuring two straight wins, has moved the team into eighth position. They trail the top side by three points and possess an even goal difference, having netted and allowed an equal number of goals.
Coaching partnership
The positive opening phase has been managed by head coaches Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw. Cohen came back to the club late in 2024 following a spell in the top flight with Southampton, and Shaw's tenure dates back to 2018. Both were instrumental in the previous campaign's successful push for the League One championship, a season in which the team accumulated a very high points total to earn promotion after a long absence.
Squad news and injuries
Team skipper Tendayi Darikwa, a summer 2024 arrival and important contributor to the promotion-winning side, will miss the entire campaign due to a serious knee injury. Connor McGrandles is expected to be a candidate to take over the captain's role. Other players currently sidelined are Daniel Oyegoke, Mason Melia, and Tom Hamer, with current injury updates accessible on the site.
In attack, Ben House continues to be a vital player. The forward arrived from Eastleigh at the start of 2022, claimed the top scorer award in his debut full season, and has now played more than 150 times for Lincoln. He set up Draper's decisive goal in the Bristol City match. Recent acquisition Mikkel Ladefoged, signed from a Swedish club, aims to bolster the offensive options after productive periods in that country's highest leagues.
Looking ahead
The next test for Lincoln is a home match this Saturday against Swansea City, who are currently in second place. It poses another difficult challenge for a squad that has already met teams like Southampton and Bournemouth during this campaign. The complete fixture list indicates a demanding schedule is coming up.
Established in 1884, Lincoln City were among the original members of the Football League's Second Division in the early 1890s and have had their current ground as home since 1895. Their recent revival included winning the National League, the EFL Trophy, and the League Two title in consecutive years, leading to their current status in the second division. The full senior team roster can be found on the squad page. The side will aim to make it three victories in a row when they welcome Swansea.
Read the full report at swanseacity.com
Head coach Chris Cohen addressed squad absences after the 1-0 win at Bristol City. He said managing selection is the most difficult part of the job. "We're so early into it, seven games into a 46-game season, that we know we're going to need everyone," Cohen stated. He confirmed Mason Melia faces a longer spell out. The Imps, eighth with 11 points, next face second-placed Swansea at home.
Lincoln City host Swansea City on September 19. The Imps, eighth with 11 points from seven games, are three points behind leaders West Ham. Their last starting lineup, a 3-4-2-1 against Bristol City, featured Freddie Draper up front. Draper scored the winner in that 1-0 victory, assisted by Ben House. The club's injury list remains unchanged, with Daniel Oyegoke, Mason Melia, Tendayi Darikwa, and Tom Hamer all sidelined.
