The story of the night as Sunderland's promotion hopes severely dented after Lincoln City play-off defeat
and live on Freeview channel 276
Having finished the regular season in fourth place, the Black Cats will now face the Imps across two legs for a place in the final at Wembley on May 30.
Waiting beneath the arch will be either Blackpool or Oxford United, but Sunderland will have to navigate their way through a tough task before they can think about a trip to the national stadium.
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Hide AdTonight’s game at the LNER Stadium will see Lee Johnson welcome back a couple of key players, but Sunderland are also sweating on some other fitness concerns before the clash.
We’ll have the latest team news from the game right here – as well as match updates, analysis and reaction from the big game via our dedicated team of Sunderland AFC writers.
FT: Lincoln City 2-0 Sunderland AFC (Hopper 51, Johnson 77)
Key Events
- Sunderland travel to Sincil Bank in the first leg of their play-off semi-final this evening.
- The Black Cats are potentially three games away from a return to the Championship.
- Lee Johnson is set to select from nearly a full squad for the game.
- SAFC XI: Burge, Flanagan, Wright, Power, Wyke, Gooch, O’Nien, Scowen, Jones, McGeady, Hume
Here we go!
Sunderland are out of their portacabin changing rooms and there’s not long to go now.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is once again watching on this evening.
2 - Lincoln have started brightly
Their 3,000 home fans are making plenty of noise early on here - and a searching ball from Bridcutt caused some momentary panic in the visiting backline.
But Johnson and Scully couldn’t get the ball under control with the Black Cats then able to clear their lines.
3 - McGeady tries his luck from range
The winger breaks forward and tries his luck from distance.
His effort is well-hit but charged down by Jackson.
5 - WHAT A SAVE!
A raking pass picks out Scully in space on the right flank and he fires a powerful strike at goal.
Burge does well to spring to his right and tip it over - in what was a great save.
But for some reason, a goal-kick was given!
10 - An injury concern for Sunderland...
Denver Hume is down and looks in some pain.
Callum McFadzean is getting ready to come on here.
11 - A first change for Sunderland...
Hume is back to his feet, but he won’t be continuing.
OFF: Hume
ON: McFadzean