Lincoln deny Sunderland comeback to reach Wembley

Lincoln will face Blackpool at Wembley next Sunday for the final spot in next season’s Championship after Tom Hopper’s goal denied Sunderland’s second leg comeback.

Sunderland had it all to do after a 2-0 first-leg loss at the LNER Stadium on Wednesday, but back in front of their own supporters the Black Cats looked revitalised, with Ross Stewart’s 13th-minute tap-in a huge momentum changer.

And it wasn’t long before Sunderland were back on level terms, with Lincoln completely failing to deal with another Aiden McGeady cross as the Scot racked up his second assist of the game thanks to a Charlie Wyke diversion.

Everything was looking rosy for Lee Johnson’s side, but they failed to capitalise on their first-half domination, with Lincoln turning the game on its head when Hopper nodded in from a corner at the start of the second period.

Jorge Grant had the chance to end the game with a 63rd-minute penalty, but a sublime Lee Burge save kept the door open for Sunderland, who failed to find a way through, sending Lincoln to Wembley next weekend.

When you hear the full-time whistle 🤩 pic.twitter.com/C9O1O4b6n2

— Lincoln City FC (@LincolnCity_FC) May 22, 2021