Bristol City boss Michael Skubala suffered defeat at the hands of his former club as Freddie Draper's second-half goal proved enough to give Lincoln a 1-0 Championship victory. The decisive moment came on 53 minutes when Ben House intercepted Rob Dickie's miscued back-pass, which left goalkeeper Sam Tickle stranded, and set up Draper to shoot into an unguarded net. The home side fought hard to level but Lincoln, promoted under Skubala last season, defended strongly to show how well they have adapted to life at the higher level.
Bristol City gave a home debut to 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Gibson Yah as one of three changes to the team beaten 4-1 at Southampton, while Lincoln made five changes from their 1-0 victory at Preston including a first League start for Chiedozie Ogbene supporting lone striker Draper. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player All the meaningful action in a competitive first half that saw five players cautioned came in the opening half-hour. Lincoln were first to threaten when Draper's low drive on four minutes was parried by Tickle.
Yu Hirakawa had a similar effort dealt with by Lincoln keeper George Wickens two minutes later before Bristol City came within inches of taking an 11th-minute lead. Rio Cardines went into the match with five assists already this season and his pinpoint corner from the left saw Lorent Tolaj direct a powerful header against the crossbar. Yah had a header deflected for a corner and Tolaj sliced wide at the far post from another Cardines cross before Lincoln went close on 27 minutes, Ogbene nodding wide at the near post after referee Tim Robinson had played a good advantage.
From then until the break, both sides struggled to create openings as the yellow card count mounted. Draper's goal rewarded Lincoln for a bright start to the second half that saw Deji Elerewe glance a header wide while Ogbene had a low shot saved. Draper fired over from distance with his team well on top and Lincoln fans taunting their former manager.
But it took an outstretched leg from keeper George Wickens to protect the Imps' lead when Hirakawa was presented with a great chance on the hour. Skubala had just replaced Jed Wallace with Dom Ballard in a bid to add potency up front. Dickie's night to forget was ended by injury on 72 minutes, Rob Atkinson taking over as his fellow centre-back was stretchered off following a challenge from behind.
Bristol built some pressure and Yah's close-range shot was blocked following another Cardines corner. The best the hosts could offer after that was an injury time effort from Ballard that passed harmlessly wide and home supporters were quick to voice their frustration at the final whistle. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k!
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