Lincoln City Earn Long-Awaited Championship Promotion

Imps extend unbeaten streak to 24 matches with dramatic win at Reading

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of blue, red, and yellow, depicting the dynamic energy and celebration of a soccer match or championship victory.Lincoln City's long-awaited return to the Championship is a triumph for the club and its passionate supporters.Reading Today

Lincoln City have secured promotion to the Sky Bet Championship for the first time in 65 years, clinching the feat with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Reading. The win extends the Imps' unbeaten run to 24 matches, capping off a remarkable season that sees the club return to the second tier of English football.

Why it matters

Lincoln City's promotion ends their lengthy absence from the Championship, which dates back to 1961. The club's return to the second division is a significant milestone for the Imps and their passionate fanbase, who have endured decades of lower-league struggles before this historic achievement.

The details

Lincoln City came from behind to defeat Reading 2-1 and seal their promotion to the Championship. The Imps fell behind early but rallied with two second-half goals to secure the victory that clinched their return to the second tier.

  • Lincoln City secured promotion on April 6, 2026.
  • The Imps' victory extended their unbeaten run to 24 matches.

The players

Lincoln City

An English football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire that plays in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football.

Reading

An English football club based in Reading, Berkshire that plays in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football.

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What’s next

Lincoln City will look to build on their promotion success as they prepare for their return to the Championship next season.

The takeaway

Lincoln City's long-awaited return to the second tier of English football is a triumph for the club and its loyal supporters, who have endured decades of lower-league struggles before this historic achievement.