Lincoln win at Bristol City to haunt old boss Skubala
Bristol City boss Michael Skubala suffered defeat at the hands of his former club as Freddie Draper's second-half goal proved enough to give Lincoln a 1-0 Championship victory.
Bristol City boss Michael Skubala suffered defeat at the hands of his former club as Freddie Draper's second-half goal proved enough to give Lincoln a 1-0 Championship victory. The decisive moment came on 53 minutes when Ben House intercepted Rob Dickie's miscued back-pass, which left goalkeeper Sam Tickle stranded, and set up Draper to shoot into an unguarded net.
The home side fought hard to level but Lincoln, promoted under Skubala last season, defended strongly to show how well they have adapted to life at the higher level.
Bristol City gave a home debut to 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Gibson Yah as one of three changes to the team beaten 4-1 at Southampton, while Lincoln made five changes from their 1-0 victory at Preston including a first League start for Chiedozie Ogbene supporting lone striker Draper.
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All the meaningful action in a competitive first half that saw five players cautioned came in the opening half-hour. Lincoln were first to threaten when Draper's low drive on four minutes was parried by Tickle.
Yu Hirakawa had a similar effort dealt with by Lincoln keeper George Wickens two minutes later before Bristol City came within inches of taking an 11th-minute lead.
Rio Cardines went into the match with five assists already this season and his pinpoint corner from the left saw Lorent Tolaj direct a powerful header against the crossbar.
Yah had a header deflected for a corner and Tolaj sliced wide at the far post from another Cardines cross before Lincoln went close on 27 minutes, Ogbene nodding wide at the near post after referee Tim Robinson had played a good advantage.
From then until the break, both sides struggled to create openings as the yellow card count mounted.
Draper's goal rewarded Lincoln for a bright start to the second half that saw Deji Elerewe glance a header wide while Ogbene had a low shot saved.
Draper fired over from distance with his team well on top and Lincoln fans taunting their former manager. But it took an outstretched leg from keeper George Wickens to protect the Imps' lead when Hirakawa was presented with a great chance on the hour.
Skubala had just replaced Jed Wallace with Dom Ballard in a bid to add potency up front.
Dickie's night to forget was ended by injury on 72 minutes, Rob Atkinson taking over as his fellow centre-back was stretchered off following a challenge from behind.
Bristol built some pressure and Yah's close-range shot was blocked following another Cardines corner.
The best the hosts could offer after that was an injury time effort from Ballard that passed harmlessly wide and home supporters were quick to voice their frustration at the final whistle.
The managers
Bristol City's Michael Skubala:
"We were not good enough tonight. We dealt well with their physicality, but in the second half we didn't create enough.
"I have only seen Rob Dickie for a matter of seconds, but he says he felt something give as he twisted and, while we don't know the extent of the damage yet, it looks a bad one affecting knee and ankle.
"I will go and see him again now and I expect he will go to hospital.
"We have gifted them their goal, no doubt about that. Playing out that way was unnecessary and it has cost us.
"We have only three days to wait for another home game, against Watford, and I think that is a good thing. We have to be better in that match."
Lincoln's Chris Cohen:
"No one has done more than Michael to put us where we are today and we wish him nothing but the best in his job with Bristol City.
"First and foremost I want to send my best wishes to Rob Dickie. Having had serious injuries myself, it is the last thing I want to see happen to any player.
"Things are going well for us so far in the Championship, but we know there are many tough days ahead. What I know is that the character and resilience we have built with Michael's help will help us at those times.
"It is pleasing that we have been able to change our back line and still keep a clean sheet. But the character shown on the pitch comes not only from the team and coaches, but everyone associated with our club, not least the supporters.
"We want to give them special memories, whether they have been fans for one year or fifty."
What the result means and next fixtures...
Championship fixtures
Source: Sky Sports
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