Lincoln United have announced their 2025/26 pre-season schedule as they begin preparations ahead of a return to the Northern Premier League Division One.
The new season marks both Scott Hellewell’s second year in charge of Lincoln United and their return to step four football for the first time since 2022-23.
The Whites will welcome two Football League sides in Lincoln City and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as fellow Lincolnshire sides Boston United, Spalding United, Stamford AFC and Bourne Town, while also mixing in a mid-week trip to Grantham Town.
There will be plenty of change before that for the Whites, as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Northern Premier League, after winning the UCL Premier Division North title last season.
Lincoln City FC: Friday 4th July (H)
Preparations begin as the Whites welcome cross-city rivals Lincoln City to Ashby Avenue, with the side hoping to make a statement against a likely inexperienced Lincoln City line-up.
The Imps will be hoping to build on last season’s mid-table finish, although with both captain Paudie O’Connor and fellow defender Sean Roughan yet to negotiate new contracts, there is still plenty of uncertainty at Sincil Bank.
It remains likely that there will be many changes for both sides as they experiment with different squads and systems, whilst trying to build fitness at the early stages of the season.
Grantham Town: Tuesday 8th July (A)
The only away trip of pre-season for United comes midweek as they make the short trip to the South Kesteven Sports Stadium to face Grantham Town.
The Gingerbreads were relegated from the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands last season, ending up over 20 points adrift of safety. They will now spend next season in the ninth tier of English football, having only being relegated from the seventh in 2022.
They go into the friendly with fresh faces, having recently appointed Mitch Griffiths as the club’s new manager, alongside a new chairman in Nick Johnston.
Boston United: Saturday 12th July (H)
The first Saturday three O’clock kick-off of the season comes as the Whites welcome National League side Boston United.
The Pilgrims miraculously avoided relegation last season, going unbeaten in 15 of their last 21 games to avoid the drop.
Spalding United: Tuesday 15th July (H)
Next up, the Whites welcome Southern Premier League Central side Spalding United, who will be hoping to build on last season’s seventh place finish.
The Tulips finished three points outside the play-offs, having won just one of their last five games in the closing stages of last campaign.
Sheffield Wednesday: Saturday 19th July (H)
Preparations then step up as Championship side Sheffield Wednesday make the trip to the Sun-Hat Villa’s and resorts Stadium.
Much like Lincoln City this is expected to be a heavily changed Owls side, although it will still likely draw in big crowds as Wednesday look to keep hold of several important players ahead of what could be a tough season.
Stamford AFC: Tuesday 22nd July (H)
The next team to travel from the Southern Premier League Central are play-off chasers Stamford AFC, the step four side will certainly provide a tough test for the newcomers.
Similarly to Spalding United, Stamford narrowly missed out on the play-offs by two points, ultimately finishing in sixth place after picking up just one point from their final possible six, this included a 5-0 loss to Spalding.
Bourne Town: Saturday 26th July (H)
The final stop for the Whites comes against a familiar opposition as they face a fellow promoted side in Bourne Town, who travel to the Sun-Hat Villa’s and resorts Stadium ahead of the season opener.
The Wakes finished third in the Premier Division North last season before beating Eastwood on penalties in the play-off final. Lincoln United will be hoping they can do the double over the side once again next season.
An action packed and exciting pre-season schedule awaits the Whites as they look to consolidate themselves as a step-four team next season.