Lincoln 4, Bolton Wanderers 2
City head coach Michael Skubala was thrilled with the entertaining 4-2 win over Bolton Wanderers at the LNER Stadium on Easter Monday as his side continue to finish the season on a high.
A brace from James Collins, along with goals from Erik Ring and Reeco Hackett, ensured the Imps went six unbeaten at the LNER Stadium.
The Imps raced into a two-goal lead in the opening 20 minutes with goals from Ring and Collins putting them a commanding position, but Wanderers fought back to go in level at the break.
Skubala’s side rallied in the second half with another goal from Collins and a goal of the season contender from Hackett wrapping up a second successive win over a promotion-chasing side.
The win ended Wanderers’ chance of extending their season in the play-offs underlining Lincoln’s role to spoil the end-of-term party for promotion contenders.
Skubala said: "What a game of football. I loved us again. It was a great game. We started well and looked dominant and threatening.
"We keep learning. It was a quality performance. When you come to the LNER Stadium you have got to be on it."
He had made three changes to the side that defeated Reading on Good Friday, with Collins rewarded for his match-winning goal against the Royals with a start. Ethan Erhahon also came in for his first start since February.
There was a place on the bench for Jack Moylan who was named in the matchday squad for the first time since January following an injury layoff, with skipper Paudie O’Connor also coming back in after serving a suspension.
City's head coach was delighted with the character of his side in the second half of the season. He said: You cannot challenge the character of the group. We are still pushing and working. While we are winning we are learning so much about what we want next season."
Skubala is keen to keep progressing, looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign. He added: "I'm really proud of the group. There were some top performances and I'm ready to go again."
Midfielder Erik Ring bagged himself his second league goal of the season, giving City the lead in the first half. He said: "It was a good performance, we played with joy and it was entertaining. We played together as a team, and when we play together, we really enjoy it.
"It was a good result. We showed we can beat the bigger teams. A few weeks ago, we switched formations and you can see it developing. This game was a step forward. We are there, at the level, we just need to keep going and get better for next season.”
The Imps are away to Stockport County this Saturday currently in fifth position, so also chasing the promotion dream.
Pictures: Vaughan Photography
