Lincoln City fall to defeat against Blackpool. Credit: Graham BurrellLincoln City fall to defeat against Blackpool. Credit: Graham Burrell

Lincoln City had their winning run curtailed, as Blackpool scored in both halves to seal victory in Sky Bet League One.

Ashley Fletcher’s first-half chip and Olly Casey’s second-half opportunism meant the Imps fell to defeat, while the Tangerines extended their unbeaten start to 2025.

Both teams came into the game off the back of good runs, and kept unchanged teams after weekend vistories. And it was Steve Bruce’s men that had the first chance, as Sonny Carey forced Zach Jeacock into a diving save in the opening minute.

Blackpool had drawn four games in a row ahead of their win at Exeter City on Saturday. Meanwhile, Michael Skubala’s men had turned a corner, beating Northampton Town and cruising past rivals Peterborough United to end a torrid run.

Blackpool dangerous in transition:

The visitors caused a real threat in transition. January signing Tom Bloxham pinned a nice cross to Ashley Fletcher at the back-post, which the striker could only nod the wrong side of the post unmarked.

Rob Apter’s floated ball almost found Fletcher at the back-post once again, as the Seasiders knocked on the door ten minutes in.

Freddie Draper had efforts saved either side of the two Blackpool chances, the first a tame header and the second a more troubling left-footed shot.

The young striker had racked up five shots by the half-hour mark, but the deadlock was broken at the other end. In front of a vocal away following, Fletcher chased onto a flick-on, with Adam Jackson caught on his heels.

He chipped the on-rushing Jeacock, clipping the ball home for his fifth league game of the term.

James Collins was substituted on for Lincoln City. Credit: Graham Burrell
James Collins was substituted on for Lincoln City. Credit: Graham Burrell

Lincoln went close to equalising in the 38th minute, as Sean Roughan traded passes with Dom Jefferies. The ball was cut back to Draper in the middle, who sliced an effort well wide.

Ben House was subbed off moments later after receiving treatment, being replaced by Saturday’s debutant goalscorer James Collins.

Lincoln City made to rue missed chances:

Half-time had stunted the flow of a lively game under the LNER Stadium lights, as the second-half started much slower.

That did not stop Blackpool doubling their lead before the hour mark. Olly Casey reacted quickest to pinball in the box after a corner ricochet around the Imps box, poking the ball beyond Jeacock.

Former Gainsborough Trinity loanee CJ Hamilton went close to putting the game to bed. He snaked in unnoticed at the back post, but saw a firm Jeacock palm deny his header.

Lincoln City had not got going after the interval, while Blackpool continued to look the most likely score after doubling their lead.

Skubala employed two double changes as the game progressed, looking to spark his team back into life.

Draper’s last action was winning a flick on towards Collins, who raced onto the ball and scooped his effort over the bar.

It was the January signing who had the ball in the back of the net in the 78th minute. After his initial effort was parried clear, substitute Reeco Hackett drove a cross along the six-yard box for Collins to tap home. Though, the linesman’s flag quickly ended celebrations and a chance at a late Imps comeback.

The result meant Lincoln’s return to form was short-lived, as Blackpool won their first game at Sincil Bank since 1998.

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