Lincoln City’s remarkable transformation under Michael Skubala continued on April 3, 2026, as the Imps edged past AFC Wimbledon 1-0 at LNER Stadium, stretching their unbeaten run to an astonishing 23 games and moving another step closer to promotion from League One. The win, sealed by a late strike from substitute Ryan Oné, was not just another tick in the victory column—it was a testament to the squad’s resilience, evolution, and the steady hand of their head coach.
It’s been quite a journey since Skubala took the helm in November 2023. The early days of his tenure were anything but smooth. Lincoln City, then teetering on the edge of uncertainty, saw flashes of potential but also endured their fair share of defeats. The turning point, as many fans remember, came in early January 2024 when Ethan Erhahon’s late equalizer at Wycombe offered the new era a crucial breath of life. That goal didn’t just salvage a point—it injected belief into a squad and fanbase desperate for momentum. As discussed on the Stacey West Podcast, it was one of several key moments that have shaped the Skubala era, laying the groundwork for the Imps’ current surge.
Fast forward to the present, and Lincoln City are the team to beat in League One. With 87 points from 40 games, they sit atop the table, having dispatched Rotherham United 3-0 in their prior league outing. Their home form has been nothing short of intimidating: unbeaten in their last ten games at LNER Stadium, with eight wins and two draws, and an average of 2.80 goals scored per match. The Imps have built a fortress—and they’re not shy about defending it.
Against AFC Wimbledon, Skubala made just one change to his starting eleven, bringing Tom Bayliss back into the fold after Ivan Varfolomeev’s return from international duty with Ukraine U21. The confirmed lineup featured George Wickens in goal, with Tendayi Darikwa, Thomas Hamer, Sonny Bradley, and Ryley Towler forming the defensive core. In midfield, Conor McGrandles and Tom Bayliss anchored the side, while Reeco Hackett, Jack Moylan, Ben House, and Robert Street provided attacking impetus.
From the opening whistle, Lincoln City looked to assert themselves. Reeco Hackett, one of the team’s top scorers this season with nine goals, nearly set the tone in the first minute. His run down the right and subsequent pullback found McGrandles, whose shot was well struck but ultimately denied by Wimbledon’s keeper, Nathan Bishop. Moments later, Ben House had the ball in the net, only for the assistant’s flag to rule him offside. It was a lively start, but the Dons were determined not to roll over.
AFC Wimbledon, mired in mid-table after back-to-back away defeats—including a 3-0 loss to Stockport County—showed flashes of resistance. Their first real chance came after 23 minutes, with Callum Maycock’s low drive forcing a sharp save from Wickens. As the half wore on, Bayliss rattled the crossbar with a thunderous free kick, but the breakthrough remained elusive.
The second half began with Wimbledon making a change—Junior Nkeng replacing captain Ryan Johnson—but Lincoln stayed the course. The Imps dominated possession, probing for openings, yet the visitors’ defensive discipline kept the game finely poised. Ryley Towler, a pillar at the back, nearly turned provider when he burst forward, only to be thwarted by a last-ditch tackle as he lined up a shot.
As the minutes ticked away, Skubala shuffled his deck. Oné came on for Street, and Varfolomeev replaced Bayliss. Later, a triple substitution saw Hackett, Darikwa, and House make way for Alfie Lloyd, Deji Elerewe, and Dom Jefferies. The message was clear: go for the win, but don’t lose control.
Wimbledon had their moments, notably when Omar Bugiel found himself in a promising position inside the box, but Wickens was alert and snuffed out the danger. The tension inside LNER Stadium was palpable. Would Lincoln find the breakthrough, or would the Dons spoil the party?
Then, with just two minutes of regular time remaining, the moment arrived. Moylan, always a threat from wide areas, delivered a cross from outside the box. The ball found its way into a crowded penalty area, where Towler showed composure to knock it back for Oné. The substitute made no mistake, tapping home to send the home fans into raptures. It was a goal born of persistence and teamwork—the very qualities that have defined Lincoln’s rise under Skubala.
The match wasn’t without its controversies. AFC Wimbledon players and supporters voiced frustration over the circumstances of the winning goal, but referee Edward Duckworth was unmoved. The Imps, for their part, were simply relieved to have broken the deadlock and extended their unbeaten streak to 23 matches. The attendance—10,088, including 762 away fans—was a testament to the growing excitement around this Lincoln side.
Skubala’s post-match demeanor reflected his season-long mantra of collective effort. “It’s never about one player or one moment,” he’s said before, and the evidence is on the pitch. From the late heroics of Ethan Erhahon months ago to Oné’s decisive strike against Wimbledon, Lincoln’s campaign has been a tapestry woven from countless contributions—big and small.
The statistics back up the story. Lincoln’s top scorers—Hackett, Moylan, and Street—have each played their part, while the defense, marshaled by Wickens and Towler, has been rock-solid. The Imps have averaged just 0.70 goals conceded per home game over their last ten, a foundation upon which their promotion push is built.
For AFC Wimbledon, the defeat stings, but their effort at LNER Stadium showed they’re not a side to be underestimated. Despite recent struggles on the road, they stayed disciplined and nearly left with a point. Yet, as has been the case so often this season, Lincoln found a way.
With just a handful of matches remaining, the Imps are tantalizingly close to sealing promotion. Their next fixtures will be watched with keen interest—not just by their own supporters, but by the chasing pack. Can Skubala’s men hold their nerve and finish the job? If recent history is anything to go by, they’ll back themselves to do just that.
For now, the city of Lincoln dreams on. The Skubala era, built on resilience, unity, and a touch of late drama, rolls forward—one step closer to a return to the Championship.