Lincoln have been officially crowned champions of the Sky Bet League One after delivering a decisive 2-0 win over Doncaster at the Eco-Power Stadium. The triumph not only sealed the league title but also capped a remarkable campaign that will be remembered for years to come. The Imps had already locked in promotion to the Championship on 6 April, when a hard‑fought 2-1 victory against Reading confirmed their ascent to the second tier.
That win set the stage for a final push: with two games remaining, Lincoln needed only to avoid defeat in their last match to clinch the league trophy. The team rose to the occasion, keeping a clean sheet and finding the net twice to ensure the title was theirs. Looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, Lincoln will compete in the Championship for the first time in 65 years, ending a six‑decade absence from English football's second division. The achievement marks a historic milestone for the club and its supporters, who have witnessed an extraordinary season of consistency, resilience and attacking flair.
Throughout the campaign, the Imps displayed an impressive balance between defence and attack. A standout statistic is the 27‑game unbeaten run that spanned the latter half of the season, a streak that included a series of vital goals from forward Ben House. House’s contributions on both sides of the break proved crucial, as he consistently found the back of the net and helped maintain the team’s momentum during the most demanding phases of the schedule. The title‑deciding match began with an early chance for Doncaster.
In the 20th minute, Harry Clifton brought down Jack Moylan inside the penalty area, presenting a clear penalty opportunity for the visitors. However, Lincoln goalkeeper Thimothee Lo‑Tutala produced a superb save, denying Rob Street’s spot‑kick and keeping the scores level. Doncaster’s goalkeeper, Sonny Bradley, also had a moment of brilliance, parrying a header with a one‑handed stretch, but the Imps soon turned the tide. Just before halftime, a mis‑clearance by Matty Pearson allowed Moylan to collect the ball and feed Ben House, who calmly slotted a low‑driven finish past Lo‑Tutala.
The goal marked Lincoln’s 29th consecutive league win, a record that underscored the side’s dominance. The second half saw Doncaster attempt to mount a comeback. Street’s effort was blocked by Lo‑Tutala, while Ivan Varfolomeev unleashed a powerful free‑kick that was headed off the line by defender Owen Bailey. Moylan, who had been a constant threat, embarked on a superb run but saw his shot drift inches wide of the post.
Lincoln’s second goal arrived in the 72nd minute. A well‑timed cross from Hamer was met by Street, who flicked the ball back into the penalty area for House to meet with a powerful header that found the top corner.
The strike doubled the Imps’ lead and effectively put the match beyond Doncaster’s reach. A late attempt by Street saw the ball rebound off the post, prompting jubilant celebrations among the Lincoln faithful. The victory not only secured the league crown but also highlighted the team’s capacity to perform under pressure and finish matches strongly. Manager Michael Skubala praised his squad after the game, emphasizing the broader significance of their achievements.
"The goal was to get promoted, but the way we've done it has definitely gone above and beyond everyone's expectations… and made some dreams come true," he said. Skubala went on to describe his players as a "steamroller" that kept moving forward, noting the collective work ethic, resilience and family atmosphere that had been cultivated since the summer. He added, "There's going to be a party on Saturday [against Wycombe at home] as all the fans will love that, so we're going to just enjoy it. We've achieved the big two targets and winning the title was excellent.
The lads have absolutely stormed it." Skubala highlighted the importance of unity among staff and players, crediting the club’s success to the relentless effort of everyone involved. Reflecting on the performance, Skubala remarked, "It's hard to come away and dominate, but we totally dominated them. Second half we were just unbelievable and we could have scored more goals.
It's not just we've done it, it's how we've done it. What a performance in winning the title, in just being us. I thought the performance epitomised our season.
From start to finish, we were excellent, we have been all season." Beyond the on‑field celebrations, the club also highlighted a promotional competition linked to the Super 6 betting game, offering a £250,000 prize pool. Entries are free and must be submitted by 3 pm on Saturday, providing fans an additional way to engage with the club’s success. In summary, Lincoln’s 2‑0 victory over Doncaster not only secured the League One trophy but also capped a season of historic proportions. With promotion secured, a record unbeaten run, and a title that ends a 65‑year wait for second‑tier football, the Imps are poised to embark on a new chapter in the Championship, carrying forward the confidence, unity and ambition that have defined their remarkable 2023‑24 campaign.