In an exhilarating clash at the LNER Stadium, Lincoln City secured a decisive 4-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Monday, April 21, 2025, effectively dashing Bolton's hopes of a playoff spot in the Sky Bet League One. Veteran striker James Collins starred for the Imps, scoring twice and showcasing his experience on the pitch.
The match, attended by 10,240 fans, kicked off with a flurry of action. Lincoln took control early, with Erik Ring finding the back of the net just 10 minutes into the game. In a well-executed corner routine, Ring's cross evaded the defense and bounced into the far corner of Nathan Baxter's net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Just minutes later, in the 18th minute, Collins doubled Lincoln's lead by converting a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Ethan Erhahon was fouled by Bolton's David Abimbola in the box. Collins, known for his striking prowess, smashed the ball high into the roof of the net, leaving Baxter with no chance.
However, Bolton refused to back down. They pulled one back in the 29th minute when Jay Matete struck a powerful shot from 20 yards, beating Lincoln goalkeeper George Wickens. The goal ignited hope for the visitors, who had been struggling in recent matches.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted. In the 38th minute, Bolton leveled the score at 2-2. Alex Murphy met a cross from Josh Dacres-Cogley with a header that took a slight deflection off Abimbola before finding the net, much to the delight of the Bolton supporters.
Yet, Lincoln was determined to regain control of the match. Just five minutes into the second half, Collins struck again, heading home a superb cross from Sean Roughan, restoring Lincoln's lead at 3-2. The stadium erupted as Collins celebrated his second goal of the night.
Lincoln's dominance was further cemented in the 61st minute when Reeco Hackett-Fairchild scored a spectacular goal directly from a free-kick. Positioned 30 yards out, Hackett spotted Baxter slightly out of position and curled a low shot that hit the woodwork before bouncing over the line, putting Lincoln up 4-2.
With the game nearing its end, Bolton's frustrations boiled over. In stoppage time, Dacres-Cogley received a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Bolton with ten men as they attempted to salvage something from the match.
Despite a late surge from Bolton, including a brilliant save from Wickens to deny George Thomason's header, Lincoln held firm to claim all three points. This victory marked Lincoln's fourth win in their last five matches, showcasing their strong form as they push towards the end of the season.
Bolton, on the other hand, faced their fourth consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their playoff ambitions as they sit in a precarious position in the league standings. Manager Ian Evatt will need to rally his squad as they prepare for their next encounter, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
As the final whistle blew, the Lincoln players celebrated a hard-fought victory, while Bolton was left to ponder what went wrong. The Imps will take this momentum into their next match, aiming to continue their successful run in League One.
In the end, the game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the fierce competition within the league. With teams vying for promotion and playoff spots, every match counts, and Lincoln City certainly made their mark in this thrilling encounter.
