Lincoln City came within touching distance of a famous upset, leading Chelsea at half-time before eventually bowing out 2-1 in front of a sell-out at the LNER Stadium.
It was a night that underlined just how far the Imps have come, pushing the reigning world champions all the way and leaving the pitch with pride, if not progress, in the Carabao Cup.
Imps Strike First
Michael Skubala kept faith with many of the players who had seen City through the earlier rounds, and his decision almost paid off in spectacular fashion. Lincoln began on the front foot, unsettling Chelsea with their energy, pressing and aerial threat. Lewis Montsma rattled the post early on and Freddie Draper saw a goalbound strike blocked by team-mate Sonny Bradley after a mistake by keeper Filip Jorgensen.
The breakthrough finally came three minutes before the break. Ivan Varfolomeev seized on a poor pass from Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez, slipping Rob Street through to finish calmly. It was no more than the League One side deserved after an opening half in which they had more touches in the opposition box than their visitors.
George Turns the Tide
Stunned into action, Chelsea returned from the interval early and quickly found a way back. Tyrique George levelled in the 48th minute with a strike in off the post, before turning provider just two minutes later. The teenager teed up Facundo Buonanotte, who jinked through challenges and poked beyond Zach Jeacock to flip the tie on its head.
Lincoln refused to wilt. The Imps pressed on with the crowd behind them, and a deflected effort almost forced an own goal before Jorrel Hato cleared off the line. Substitute Estevao could have extended Chelsea’s lead late on, only for Jeacock to make a fine save with his legs, keeping the hosts in the contest until the final whistle.
Skubala’s Men Earn Respect
While Chelsea advanced to the fourth round, it was Lincoln who won the admiration of neutrals. Their intensity and organisation repeatedly unsettled a Premier League outfit containing international talent, and the ovation at full-time reflected the supporters’ pride in their team’s efforts.
Street’s opener, Varfolomeev’s assist and Jeacock’s late stops were highlights, but it was the collective spirit that stood out. Once again, Lincoln showed that when the stage is set, they can rise to the occasion.
Writer’s View
Defeat will sting, but the bigger picture is one of encouragement. Lincoln matched Chelsea in almost every department for large spells, exposing their weaknesses and showing why they sit so high in League One.
For Skubala, this performance will serve as proof that his side can compete with the very best, and it will only strengthen belief heading into the league trip to Peterborough on Saturday. Cup glory may be gone, but the pride remains.
