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
48 - CHANCE!
An early sight of goal for Chris Maguire in the second half!
Wyke wins a flick-on and it bounces kindly for Maguire who tries the first time effort from range.
It was a difficult shot to control though, and flies over the bar.
50 - Lincoln have improved this half
The Imps have already posed more of a threat than they did in the opening 45 minutes, with a couple of dangerous balls already having been fired into the box.
Whatever Michael Appleton said clearly worked.
51 - OFF THE BAR!
The Imps strike the woodwork.
A corner is met by Poole whose header comes off the underside of the bar.
52 - YELLOW CARD
Johnson is booked for Lincoln.
He went down looking for a penalty under pressure from Maguire.
55- Lincoln on top here
The Imps are taking the game to Sunderland at the moment.
They’re committing men forward and the Black Cats really need to weather this storm.
56 - GOAL LINCOLN
It’s been coming, sadly.
Sunderland defend poorly from a corner and Hopper has the space to power home a header from six yards out.
2-1 on the day, but Lincoln lead 3-2 on aggregate.
Worth remembering at this point that away goals DO NOT count in the play-offs.
62 - PENALTY LINCOLN
Scowen trips McGrandles in the box.
Sunderland weren’t happy as they felt McFadzean had been fouled moments before.
63 - LEE BURGE SAVES IT!!!
WHAT A STOP!
Burge springs to his right and keeps out Grant’s penalty!
How important could that be!?!