James Collins scored twice as Lincoln City battled to a 2-2 draw at Charlton Athletic, halting the hosts’ bid for a record-equalling ninth consecutive home league win.
In an action-packed contest at The Valley, Collins gave Lincoln a first-half lead and doubled it just after the break, but goals from Macauley Gillesphey and Greg Docherty saw the Addicks come roaring back.
Michael Skubala’s side made a confident start, with Ben House denied early after good pressing from Jovon Makama. The home side showed their attacking intent, with Thierry Small narrowly missing the target inside four minutes and Matt Godden testing Wickens soon after.
Set-piece precision puts Imps in charge
The opener arrived on 17 minutes, Erik Ring delivering a pinpoint corner that Collins headed home at the near post. The striker nearly created a second for Makama, only for a well-timed tackle from Small to deny a clear chance. Makama limped off minutes later, replaced by Dom Jefferies.
City ended the first half well and almost added a second through Ring’s fierce volley, which Mannion did brilliantly to push away.
Lincoln doubled their lead just after the restart, as Hamer’s lofted ball was brought down expertly by Collins, who shifted inside and rifled a low shot into the corner for his second of the afternoon.
Charlton reacted strongly, pushing more players forward. Wickens made a stunning diving save to deny substitute Chuks Aneke, but the home side struck moments later through Gillesphey, who converted from close range after a scramble in the six-yard box.
The momentum stayed with the hosts and they levelled on 75 minutes. A cross into the box was only half-cleared and Docherty unleashed a thumping volley past the unsighted Wickens.
Godden came close again late on with a bullet header that looked destined for the net until Wickens flung himself across goal to make a brilliant save. Albert Gilbert also fired wide as Charlton pushed for a winner in the final moments.
Lincoln held on to take a well-earned point, ending Charlton’s perfect home run and reinforcing their credentials as one of the most resilient sides in the division.
Site opinion
This was a brave and disciplined performance from Lincoln. James Collins was sharp, clinical, and pivotal in turning moments into goals. But the bigger story may be Lincoln’s organisation and spirit—especially as Charlton threw everything at them late on. Ending a run of eight home wins at The Valley is no small feat. The Imps are clearly building something under Skubala, and with more consistency, they can be a real threat in this division.
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