Lincoln City made it 3 wins from 3 in the EFL Trophy group stage after a composed 2–0 victory away at Barnsley kept their 100% record intact.
It was another assured display from Michael Skubala’s side, who made 9 changes from the defeat to Rotherham United yet delivered a confident and energetic performance to top Group D.
Skubala’s Changes Pay Off
The Imps’ boss used the tie to hand valuable minutes to returning players and fringe squad members. Oisin Gallagher and Dom Jefferies both started while Jack Moylan returned to the bench following injury.
Despite the rotation, Lincoln maintained control for much of the contest against a Barnsley team that included senior figures such as David McGoldrick, Davis Keillor-Dunn and Luca Connell.
The hosts began brightly, with Zach Jeacock saving well from Caylan Vickers after nine minutes, but Lincoln settled quickly. A series of corners saw Gallagher and Tendayi Darikwa go close before Jefferies tested Kieren Flavell with a low strike. Oscar Thorn also looked lively down the flank, linking well with Okoronkwo in attack.
The breakthrough came on 35 minutes. Darikwa broke down the right and found Erik Ring, who calmly squared for Okoronkwo to finish from close range and claim his first goal for the club. It was a deserved lead and reflected the visitors’ growing composure in possession.
Barnsley nearly levelled when Connell’s effort was turned away by Jeacock, but Lincoln remained on top heading into the interval.
🔗 Darikwa picks up the ball in his own half, he plays it long towards Jackson who chests it down for Collins to finish past Flavell.
⌚️ 64′ | 🔴 0-2 🔵 https://t.co/EoQHlCIH2L
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) November 11, 2025
Collins Ends Drought, Moylan Returns
Jefferies’ comeback appearance ended at half-time as Justin Obikwu came on, while Lincoln continued to control the tempo. Okoronkwo was denied a second goal shortly after the restart when Flavell saved with his legs, and McGoldrick responded with a long-range attempt that drifted wide.
The visitors doubled their lead on 64 minutes. Adam Jackson’s header down from a long ball fell to James Collins, who took a touch before firing a powerful left-foot volley past the keeper. It ended his goal drought and gave City clear daylight.
Moments later, Jack Moylan made his return from injury, replacing Collins for the final 25 minutes. His introduction, alongside experienced substitutes Tom Bayliss, Sonny Bradley and Rob Street, helped City see out the game with control and professionalism.
🗣️ Michael Skubala reacted to his side’s victory at Oakwell which meant City topped their @VertuTrophy group with three wins from three.
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) November 11, 2025
Flavell denied Street late on, but Barnsley struggled to fashion clear chances as Lincoln’s defensive organisation held firm. The result ensured a flawless group stage for Skubala’s side, who finished with 3 wins, 8 goals scored and 0 conceded.
“It was a really good performance,” said Skubala. “I loved the energy in the team today. We looked connected, more like ourselves, created good chances and scored a couple of good goals. There were some really strong performances out there.”
Lincoln topped Group D ahead of Barnsley, Manchester United U21s and Notts County.
The Imps now advance to the EFL Trophy draw, where they will enjoy home advantage following a perfect record in the group.
