The story of the day as Sunderland's promotion hopes come to an end after Lincoln City battle
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats trail 2-0 from the first leg after goals from Tom Hopper and Brennan Johnson gave the Imps a considerable advantage on Wednesday evening.
But with 10,000 fans back in the Stadium of Light roaring the team on, Lee Johnson’s men will be confident of turning the tide and sealing a spot at Wembley next weekend.
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Hide AdA win by two clear goals will be enough to send the game to extra time, while a three-goal winning margin will see Sunderland progress.
Johnson has some key decisions to make as the side prepare for the game, but will be able to call upon Aiden McGeady after a contract situation with the winger was resolved this week.
We’ll have full team news, match updates, analysis and reaction from our team of writers across the afternoon.
FT: Sunderland AFC 2-1 Lincoln City (Stewart 13, Wyke 33; Hopper 56)
Key Events
- Sunderland welcome Lincoln City to the Stadium of Light in the second leg of the League One play-off semi-finals.
- The Black Cats are bidding to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.
- 10,000 fans will be in attendance today, as supporters return for the first time since March 2020.
- SAFC XI: Burge, Wright, O’Nien, Gooch, McFadzean; Scowen, Leadbitter, Maguire, McGeady; Stewart, Wyke
Not long to go until team news...
And there’s a fair few fans already filtering into the Stadium of Light. We’ve had a few shouts of ‘HA’WAY THE LADS!’ too!
Lynden Gooch has just been out doing pre-match media details, so is he starting today?
BREAKING: THE TEAM NEWS IS IN!
And here’s how Sunderland line-up: Burge, Wright, O’Nien, Gooch, McFadzean; Scowen, Leadbitter, Maguire, McGeady; Stewart, Wyke
And on the bench: Matthews, Flanagan, Power, O’Brien, Diamond, Winchester, Jones
It looks like a 4-4-2 for the Black Cats, with Gooch at right-back and O’Nien returning to the centre of defence.
One thing is for sure - it’s a VERY attacking line-up!
The full teamsheet from the Stadium of Light
Lincoln make two changes, with Alex Palmer and Lewis Montsma replacing Joe Bursik and Adam Jackson.
What a moment!
Sunderland are roared onto the field for their warm-up by a very vocal home crowd.
There were heavy boos as Lincoln came out to begin their preparations - this atmosphere could be key!
An interesting spectator is here today...
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Maurice Louis-Dreyfus have been joined by their mother, Margarita, today.
She’s one of the richest women in the world!
Not long to go now!
The crowd are making themselves heard as Sunderland get ready for kick-off.
As the side go through their defensive drills, Gooch is preparing as the right-back - as expected.
Here. We. Go.
Sunderland enter the field to one absolutely enormous roar. What an incredible atmosphere!
In the Directors’ Box, Stewart Donald has just arrived. Kyril and Maurice Louis-Dreyfus both here alongside mother Margarita.
Kick-off just moments away now...