Lincoln City 1, Huddersfield Town 1

Lincoln City battled back to start 2026 with a point against Huddersfield Town at the LNER Stadium on New Year’s Day.

The 1-1 draw against the Terriers extended the Imps’ unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One to seven matches.  

Despite creating most of the chances in the first half the home side was trailing 1-0 just past the hour mark when Leo Castledine converted Alfie May’s cross. However, the Imps showed great resilience to hit back through Adam Reach just eight minutes later.  

City boss Michael Skubala made three changes to the side which took all three points at Barnsley on Monday evening, with Ryley Towler, Reeco Hackett and Freddie Draper all coming in. 

Following the equaliser, it was the Imps who looked the most likely winners and it took some good defending from the visitors to deny the Imps all three points.

Skubala praised the character of his side and said he felt the first-half performance was among the best the players have produced this season.

Skubala said: "In the end we can look back on it as a good point. We showed real character to keep in the game and get something from it

"We were electric in the first half against a top side and had everything apart from a goal.

"We had energy and looked the dominant team for that period. They're a big team who will be up there looking to get promoted.

"We're frustrated and think we could have got more because of how well we played in the first half."

Staging a fight back is rare for the Imps as they have usually made strong starts in the matches on the way to claiming their current second spot in League One. The determination to dig in after going behind against the Terriers pleased the head coach.

He added: "It's a huge positive that when we go behind we can get back in the game. To do that against such a good team as Huddersfield Town is really pleasing.

"There were some great performances all round the team, as has been the norm this season.

"Ivan Varfolomeev and Conor McGrandles were great in the middle. Everyone could see Ivan's quality again - he's got to get used to going again with the quick turnarounds but is finding his feet in English football."

Lincoln are back in action against Peterborough this Sunday, January 4 at home with kick-off at 12noon.

Attendance: 10,110 (1,680 away) 
Picture: Vaughan Photography
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