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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
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
70 - The penalty save has buoyed Sunderland
The hosts are finally starting to show some attacking intent in this half.
Chances, though, are still proving difficult to come by.
73 - More changes afoot?
Jones, Winchester and O’Brien are all warming-up for Sunderland at the moment.
The Black Cats need a spark.
77 - CHANCE!
McGeady floats in a free-kick which Wright just can’t glance home!
Sunderland have made two further changes...
OFF: Scowen, Stewart
ON: O’Brien, Winchester
80 - A BIG MISS!
Lincoln miss a huge chance to wrap it up!
A long ball skims off the head of Wright and McGrandles is in.
He’s one-on-one with Burge but fires over from the edge of the box.
82 - OFF THE POST!
This is carnage.
Now Sunderland come close - McGeady picking up the pieces from a semi-cleared cross and drilling against the near post.
The rebound fell kindly to Wyke but the angle was awkward and he could only fire into the side netting.
84 - CHANCE!!
Sunderland again come close!
McGeady delivers another sublime free-kick and O’Brien, on the stretch, can only divert it wide.
The forward may have been offside regardless, but that was a big chance.
85 - AND ANOTHER BIG O’BRIEN CHANCE!
Wyke wins a flick on and O’Brien is in, but his shot from the angle is saved by Palmer.
Sunderland giving this everything.