Despite a turbulent build-up and key departures, Lincoln City delivered a determined display to beat Reading 2-0 in their League One opener.
Their opening day clash with Reading at the LNER Stadium carried more weight than usual. With four of last season’s standout performers now departed, and Jovon Makama unexpectedly absent amid transfer speculation, doubts lingered. The mood before kick-off was uncertain, subdued even. But on the pitch, Michael Skubala’s side put all of that aside to grind out a deserved 2-0 victory.
The Imps started with a 4-2-3-1 formation: George Wickens in goal behind a back four of Tendayi Darikwa, Adam Jackson, Sonny Bradley and Riley Towler. Conor McGrandles and Tom Bayliss anchored midfield, with Rob Street, Jack Moylan and Reeco Hackett operating behind James Collins. The squad, thin due to absentees, left little room for surprises.
Despite some early nerves—particularly as Reading’s midfield trio of Charlie Savage, Lewis Wing, and Ben Elliott looked neat in possession—Lincoln gradually imposed themselves. Street, occupying the wide right role typically filled by Makama, led the press and showcased clever movement.
Reading saw 67% possession, but just 41% of it was in Lincoln’s half. The hosts defended with grit, organisation and aggression, turning the contest into a physical battle they were always more likely to win.
The breakthrough came via a long ball from Wickens that Street brought down masterfully before cutting inside and delivering a dangerous cross. A Reading defender turned it into his own net, but the goal owed much to Street’s work. It could easily have ended up at Hackett’s feet had it not gone in.
Street’s performance in that unfamiliar wide role was a highlight. Though signed as a central striker, he mirrored Makama’s direct, driving style, cutting in from the flank and troubling Reading’s defence. His first-half efforts were pivotal, and even as his influence waned after the break, he had already played a crucial part in the win.
There were moments of fortune for Lincoln. A clear push by Adam Jackson could have resulted in a Reading penalty, and a disallowed goal following a Lewis Wing strike that rebounded off the post had some Imps fans fearing the worst. Replays proved inconclusive, but the officials sided with Lincoln.
The second goal was pure quality. Jackson’s composure at the back began the move, McGrandles split the defence with a measured through ball, and Hackett raced clear to slot home coolly. A goal made entirely by three of Lincoln’s longest-serving players.
Among the debutants, Sonny Bradley impressed alongside Jackson. No-nonsense, dominant in the air and composed under pressure, he seamlessly filled the void left by Paudie O’Connor. Riley Towler, filling in at left-back, looked like a centre-half playing out of position, but coped admirably.
Tendayi Darikwa, captain for the day, set a relentless example with overlapping runs and tireless energy. His lung-busting sprints may not have yielded tangible results, but they lifted the crowd and set the tone. Whether a captain or not, it’s clear he leads by action.
Reading, for their part, had flashes. Wing’s efforts from range were their best outlet, and while technically assured in possession, they lacked punch in the final third. Forward Matt O’Mahony had a poor afternoon statistically and tried too hard to win a penalty, arguably to his detriment.
The second half could have yielded a third. Moylan spurned a golden headed chance from another Street cross, and Bayliss, after a clever free kick, fired wide. But defensively, Lincoln never looked troubled. Reading may have changed their build-up patterns, but Lincoln matched them stride for stride.
Skubala’s post-match comments captured the essence of the day. He spoke of players “emptying the tank”, and it showed. From pressing triggers to tactical shape, Lincoln worked as a cohesive unit, with no passengers.
The spine of the team—Wickens, Jackson, Bradley, McGrandles, Bayliss, Hackett—all delivered. Between them, the two centre-backs made 36 clearances and won 14 aerial duels. Reading’s equivalents managed just four aerial wins and 14 clearances. Lincoln’s midfield duo outpassed and outworked their opposite numbers, despite being outnumbered.
In a match that could have been overshadowed by off-field stories and absentees, Lincoln wrote a new one. Not with glamour or flair, but through grit, familiarity and organisation.
The forgotten players of last season stood tallest, and in doing so, showed that Lincoln’s story this year might be shaped as much by who stayed as who arrived.
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