Lincoln City have begun the Championship season by defying expectations that they would be among the division's weakest teams. Sitting 12th on 11 points after eight games, the Imps have already secured three wins and are just six points off the top of the table.
Manager Ryan One addressed the pre-season narrative head-on. "We were labelled as one of the worst teams in the league," he said.
Strong start
The early results have provided a firm rebuttal. A run of three consecutive victories, including a 1-0 win at Bristol City and a 1-0 success at Preston, pushed Lincoln up the standings. Their most recent outing was a narrow 2-1 home defeat to league leaders Swansea on September 19, where Reeco Hackett-Fairchild scored a first-half penalty.
One pointed to the collective effort as the foundation for their start. The data supports this: Lincoln have conceded just eight goals while scoring seven, a solid defensive record that underpins their mid-table position.
Looking ahead
With Tendayi Darikwa currently sidelined, the squad's depth will be tested. The focus now shifts to the next challenge, an away trip to face Sheffield United on October 10. The Blades sit 18th, presenting another opportunity for Lincoln to add to their points tally. The full squad available for selection is listed on our squad page.
Lincoln's start has shifted the conversation from survival to consolidation. They face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane after the international break.
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