Lincoln City Promoted to Championship for First Time Since 1961

The Imps secure promotion with dramatic 2-1 victory over Reading in final minutes of the season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:29am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and vibrant colors representing the intense action and emotion of a soccer match between Lincoln City and Reading.Lincoln City's dramatic promotion to the Championship after a 65-year absence is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action on the pitch.Reading Today

After a 65-year absence, Lincoln City has secured promotion to the Championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Reading in the final minutes of the season. The Imps, who have been dominant all season with the best attack and defense in League One, scored a stoppage-time winner to cap off their return to the second tier of English football.

Why it matters

This promotion ends a 65-year wait for Lincoln City fans, who have seen their club plummet as far as the National League before storming back in recent years. It represents a remarkable turnaround for a club that has endured a long and difficult journey back to the second tier, and sets them up for a potential challenge at the Championship level next season.

The details

Lincoln City took an early lead through a goal from Ryan One in the 5th minute, and for much of the match, their well-drilled defense frustrated a Reading side that had been unbeaten at home in 10 games. However, the tension peaked in the dying moments, as Reading equalized in the 92nd minute through a free-kick from Lewis Wing. Just as it seemed Lincoln would have to settle for a draw, Jack Moylan struck in the 96th minute to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory and seal promotion.

  • Lincoln City secured promotion on April 7, 2026.
  • The Imps' unbeaten league run now stands at 24 games, dating back to November 22, 2025.
  • With 5 games remaining in the season, Lincoln City will now turn their attention to securing the League One title.

The players

Michael Skubala

The manager of Lincoln City, who has built a juggernaut of a team that boasts the best attack and defense in League One.

Jack Moylan

The Lincoln City player who scored the stoppage-time winner to secure promotion in the 96th minute of the match against Reading.

Ryan One

The Lincoln City player who scored the opening goal in the 5th minute to give the Imps an early lead.

Lewis Wing

The Reading midfielder who equalized for the home team in the 92nd minute with a precise free-kick.

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild

The Lincoln City player who provided the free-kick assist for the opening goal.

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What they’re saying

“This victory represents the end of a 65-year odyssey for Lincoln City fans.”

— Michael Skubala, Lincoln City Manager

“Among clubs that have previously played in the second tier, only Crewe Alexandra has endured a longer hiatus (102 years).”

— Chief Editor

What’s next

With five games remaining in the season, the Imps now turn their full attention to securing the League One title.

The takeaway

This promotion represents a remarkable turnaround for Lincoln City, who have endured a long and difficult journey back to the second tier of English football. The team's statistical dominance this season, with the best attack and defense in League One, suggests they could be a force to be reckoned with in the Championship next year.