Lincoln City broke numerous records this season on their way to lifting the SkyBet League One title in a season that took everybody by surprise.
When the predictions and odds were published for this season, no one expected the Imps to have the season they had – winning the league, scoring over 100 points and getting promoted to England’s second tier for the first time in 65 years.
City started the season well winning four out of their first five games and only losing two in 12 games across all competitions.
A big third round clash in the Carabao Cup against World Champion Chelsea at the LNER Stadium awaited Lincoln on September 23 under the lights.
The League One Imps went ahead in the 42nd minute via Rob Street, but Chelsea were able to claw it back and advance with two goals in two minutes, but nevertheless, this game was a slight glimmer of hope for Imps fans.
Through October and November, form took a bit of a downward turn as the now league champions lost four of their 11 games.
One of these defeats would be the last league defeat of the league campaign for head coach Michael Skubala’s side – on November 22, 2025, against Wycombe Wanderers where the final score was 3-2.
After this game, Skubala’s Imps would only lose once in all competitions which was on December 2, 2025, in the Round of 32 of the EFL Trophy at home to Huddersfield Town.
This then became a history-making unbeaten run with Lincoln going 29 games unbeaten in the Sky Bet League One with 23 of those games being wins.
The previous record was held by Luton Town during the 2018/19 season where they lasted 28 games unbeaten under then managers Nathan Jones (until January 2019) and interim boss Mick Hartford (January – May 2019).
City’s longest run of wins was six on the bounce which they achieved between February 17 and March 14 which included two 4-0 home victories, two 2-0 victories (including the big win over Cardiff City away), a 3-1 win over Stockport at the LNER, and a 1-0 win away on the South coast against Exeter.
Although they may have come out in the end as champions, it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Imps this season.
They didn’t take the lead in the division until the end of November which they would only hang onto for a matter of days before dropping back into the playoff places fighting with teams like Bradford City, Stevenage, Bolton Wanderers and eventual runners up, Cardiff City.
It wouldn’t be until March 7 – the weekend where they beat Cardiff 2-0 away from home – when they would reclaim the top spot and they have remained there ever since.
City would then secure promotion to the EFL Championship on Easter Monday beating Reading 2-1 away, before sealing the title in another away win against Doncaster on April 21.
Finally, they were able to lift the trophy in front of their fans at the LNER Stadium on April 25 following a 4-3 win over Wycombe, the team they last lost to in the league.
Lincoln finished the season on 103 points – 31 wins, ten draws and five losses.
To summarise the season, Michael Skubala said: “What an iconic season.
“What an unbelievable journey this club, this team, this group of men have been on. I’m not sure you could replicate what this group has done.
“This group gives for the badge all the time. Fans, stick with the lads in tough moments – thank you for all the support this season.
“That’s what is great about this club everyone’s connected and ready for the next challenge.”
The Imps will now head for the EFL Championship, being joined by Cardiff and the eventual playoff winner (Stockport, Bradford, Bolton or Stevenage).