‘You can overachieve’: how Michael Skubala’s Lincoln beat the League One odds

A decade ago, Lincoln City finished 15th in the Conference – now they’re on the verge of promotion to the second tier for the first time since 1961

It is almost like an actor refusing to say “Macbeth” for fear of jinxing the play. Even though Lincoln City’s promotion to the EFL Championship is nigh on certain – “it feels a bit like we’re on match point,” Michael Skubala said after Friday’s 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon – no one involved dares mention the prospect of Tottenham or Wolves playing a league game at Sincil Bank next season.

Extending their club-record unbeaten run to 24 league games at Reading on Monday would guarantee Lincoln’s return to the second tier of English football for the first time in 65 years. A draw between Bolton and Stockport would also suffice.