Imps exit FA Cup after penalty shootout defeat at Salford

Lincoln City exited the Emirates FA Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat away to Salford City, despite producing a spirited and dominant performance. The Imps had looked on course for victory after Erik Ring’s superb first-half strike, but a last-gasp equaliser from Grant N’Mai forced extra time before the home side eventually prevailed 5-3 on spot-kicks.

Head coach Michael Skubala made five changes to his starting XI, with Adam Jackson returning from injury to partner Ryley Towler in defence. Ivan Varfolomeev joined Conor McGrandles in midfield, while Freddie Draper and Erik Ring added fresh legs in attack. After an early flurry of pressure from Salford - including two strong saves from George Wickens to deny Kallum Cesay and Kelly N’Mai – City began to grow into the game. Their pressure told on 27 minutes when Ring surged forward from deep, weaving past defenders before smashing home a powerful finish for his first goal of the season.

Lincoln’s confidence grew after the opener, and they ended the first half firmly on top. Rob Street, introduced for the injured Ben House, was lively down the right flank, while Towler and Ring both went close from corners. After the interval, Salford responded with attacking substitutions, introducing experienced forwards Fabio Borini and Daniel Udoh to chase an equaliser. Wickens was again called into action to tip away a fierce free-kick from Elliot Butcher, while at the other end, McGrandles and Street tested home keeper Mark Howard as the visitors looked to seal the result.

However, heartbreak struck deep into stoppage time. With four added minutes signalled, the Imps were seconds away from the second-round draw when N’Mai pounced from close range to level the scores. Extra time brought further drama – Darikwa had a goal ruled out for offside and was later sent off for a second yellow card after being judged to have dived in the box. Despite being reduced to ten men, City continued to battle, with Tom Bayliss curling narrowly wide and Wickens producing more fine saves to keep the score level.

The tie was ultimately decided from the spot. Street and Obikwu converted confidently for the Imps, but Bayliss struck the post and McGrandles saw his effort saved, allowing Salford to seal a 5-3 shootout win and progress to the second round. Though disappointed with the result, Skubala’s side could take pride in a resilient and competitive display which deserved far more than an early cup exit.

Speaking after the game, head coach Skubala said: “We could have controlled the moment before their equaliser better and it shouldn’t have gone to extra-time and penalties. We didn’t start well enough. When we got that intensity back we got the goal and on top of things, our rhythm was interrupted by some enforced changes. You could see how tired both teams were in extra time, and the penalties could have gone either way.

“We never got into our stride for long enough periods or looked like ourselves, and this is a lesson that if you’re not quite at it the results look different to what you want."

Images Copyright Lincoln City Football Club www.weareimps.com