The story of the night as Sunderland's promotion hopes severely dented after Lincoln City play-off defeat
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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
FT: LINCOLN 2-0 SUNDERLAND
Sunderland have it all to do on Saturday, then.
The Imps will take a two-goal lead to Wearside after goals from Tom Hopper and Brennan Johnson.
A disappointing night for the Black Cats, and we’ll have full reaction coming up...
Post-match reaction from Sincil Bank...
We’ve got plenty of post-match content on the Echo already...
Lee Johnson is speaking to Sky Sports...
And here’s what the Sunderland boss had to say:
Lee JohnsonI don’t think we quite deserved being down two goals. Their ‘keeper made a couple of great saves. We just didn’t get that break we needed in front of goal. It’s not over.
I believe it’s possible, I absolutely do. Our fans will be rightfully disappointed today, but I promise you we’ll come back Saturday and give it absolutely everything.
Johnson also issued an injury update...
Michael Appleton was also speaking...