Lincoln City's Championship match officials have been confirmed for their crucial away fixture against Bolton Wanderers this Saturday, 29 August. Referee Ben Speedie will take charge of the 15:00 kick-off at the University of Bolton Stadium, with assistants Paul Hodgkinson and Samuel Clayton and fourth official Andrew Kitchen completing the team, as reported by Vital Football.
Who is referee Ben Speedie?
Ben Speedie is an experienced official who handled 42 matches in the 2025/26 season. He issued 125 yellow cards and six red cards across that campaign, averaging 2.98 cautions per game. His most card-heavy performance last term came in a League One match between Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle, which finished 2-3. In that game, Speedie showed seven yellow cards and one red.
This season, Speedie has refereed three matches. He has shown 13 yellow cards, an average of 4.33 per match, and no red cards. Eight of those bookings came in a single League One fixture, a 2-2 draw between Luton Town and Notts County. Former Bolton defender George Johnston received a caution in that game.
What is Speedie's history with Lincoln City?
Speedie's last match involving Lincoln City was a 2-2 draw away at Huddersfield Town in League One. He showed six yellow cards in that fixture, with bookings for Ryley Towler and Tom Bayliss. Following that match, Speedie received an average fan rating of 3.86. Comments from supporters on forums highlighted some contentious decisions. Lakeview said: "Penalty and a few other odd decisions. I am getting sick of the wrestling at corners." Impish added: "Bayliss got a booking for winning the ball. They had so many decisions where they just fell to the floor."
His last game involving Bolton was a 2-1 home win for the Trotters against Exeter City in League One last season, where he issued four yellow cards.
What is the context for Lincoln City?
Lincoln City travel to Bolton sitting 22nd in the Championship table with zero points from their opening two games. Their recent form shows two consecutive losses. The Imps have scored two goals but conceded five, giving them a -3 goal difference. They are six points behind early leaders Millwall. This next fixture, against a Bolton side currently 8th in the table, represents a significant early test. You can follow the team's progress throughout the season on our standings page.
Why does this appointment matter?
Official appointments can influence match tempo and discipline. Speedie's current average of over four yellow cards per game this season suggests he is not hesitant to use his book. For a Lincoln City side needing to stop their losing run, maintaining discipline will be important. The team will want to avoid unnecessary suspensions as they look to build momentum. Key players must manage their challenges carefully under a referee with this profile.
Lincoln City's focus now shifts entirely to preparation for the Bolton trip. Manager and players will analyze Speedie's tendencies as part of their match planning. The club's full schedule of upcoming games is available on our fixtures list. Securing a positive result at Bolton could provide the platform to climb the table and change the early narrative of their Championship campaign.
