Lincoln have been officially crowned the Sky Bet League One champions after a decisive 2-0 triumph over Doncaster at the Eco-Power Stadium on Tuesday night. The win not only secured the title but also capped off a remarkable season that will be remembered for years to come.
The Imps had already clinched promotion to the Championship on 6 April, when they edged past Reading 2-1. That result guaranteed a place in the second tier for the 2026/27 campaign, ending a 65-year absence from that level of English football. With promotion already assured, the focus shifted to the league crown. After picking up four points from the two fixtures that followed the Reading victory, Lincoln needed only to avoid defeat at Doncaster to lift the trophy.
They did so in style, turning a must‑draw into a comfortable win. The match itself was a showcase of the quality and consistency that have defined Lincoln’s campaign. Ben House, the prolific striker, continued his scoring spree, netting a low‑driven finish just before halftime to give the Imps a 1-0 lead. That goal marked his 29th consecutive league match in which he found the back of the net, extending the club’s impressive unbeaten run to 27 games.
The early stages saw a chance for Doncaster when Harry Clifton fouled Jack Moylan inside the box after 20 minutes, but Rob Street’s penalty was expertly saved by Doncaster keeper Thimothee Lo‑Tutala, keeping the score level. Doncaster’s goalkeeper then produced a one‑handed save from a header by Sonny Bradley, but Lincoln soon responded. A mis‑cleared ball by Matty Pearson fell to Moylan, who slipped it to House. The striker’s low shot slipped past Lo‑Tutala, restoring the Imps’ advantage just before the break.
The second half was dominated by Lincoln, who continued to press and create chances. Street’s effort was blocked by Lo‑Tutala, Ivan Varfolomeev’s powerful free‑kick was cleared off the line by Owen Bailey, and Moylan’s long run ended with a shot that brushed the post.
The decisive second goal arrived in the 72nd minute. A cross from Hamer was flicked on by Street, finding House, who rose powerfully to head the ball home, doubling Lincoln’s lead. The Imps’ fans erupted, and the atmosphere turned celebratory as the club’s historic achievement became a certainty. Street later saw a shot hit the post, adding to the drama of the evening.
Manager Michael Skubala was elated in his post‑match interview. He praised his squad for exceeding expectations, noting that the original aim was simply promotion, yet the team delivered a league title as well. "Once you get the steamroller moving, these boys are just a machine, they just keep going and going," Skubala said, highlighting the relentless work ethic and resilience that have become hallmarks of the side.
He spoke of the family atmosphere cultivated over the summer, emphasizing the unity among staff and players that helped drive the campaign. Skubala also hinted at the celebrations to come, mentioning a planned party for the upcoming home game against Wycombe, where fans would have the chance to revel in the success together. He reflected on the dominant performance, stating, "It's not just that we've done it, it's how we've done it.
From start to finish, we were excellent, we have been all season." Looking ahead, Lincoln will embark on their first season in the Championship since 1961. The promotion brings new challenges, including a higher level of competition and the need to strengthen the squad.
However, the confidence built during this title‑winning campaign should serve the club well as they aim to establish themselves in the second tier and possibly push for further progress in the years to come. Off the pitch, the club is also promoting its partnership with the Super 6 competition, offering a £250,000 prize pool that is free to enter. Fans can submit entries by 3 pm on Saturday, adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters during the celebratory period.
In summary, Lincoln’s 2‑0 victory over Doncaster not only secured the League One title but also capped a season of extraordinary consistency, goal‑scoring prowess, and collective spirit. The Imps have returned to the Championship after a six‑decade hiatus, and their supporters have every reason to be proud of a campaign that combined ambition, hard work, and a touch of footballing romance.