Honestly, if you told a Lincoln City fan back in August that they’d be sitting in second place by mid-January, they’d probably have asked what you were drinking. But here we are. As of January 14, 2026, the lincoln city fc standings show a team that isn't just "overachieving"—they are actively dismantling the hierarchy of the division.
With 25 games played, Lincoln sits comfortably in the automatic promotion spots with 48 points. They’ve managed 14 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses. That puts them just four points behind leaders Cardiff City and two points ahead of a very persistent Bradford City. It’s tight. It’s stressful. But for the Sincil Bank faithful, it’s the most exciting football they’ve seen in years.
The Numbers Behind the Rise
You can’t talk about the current standings without looking at how they got there. Michael Skubala has turned this squad into a transitional monster. They’ve scored 40 goals and conceded only 26. That +14 goal difference is the second-best in the league, trailing only Cardiff.
People keep waiting for the "Lincoln collapse," but the data suggests it isn't coming. Their home form at the LNER Stadium has been a fortress, racking up 9 wins from 13 matches. They aren't just winning; they're suffocating teams. The 5-2 thumping of Peterborough United on January 4th was a statement. It wasn't a fluke. It was a tactical masterclass in verticality and pressing.
👉 See also: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
Key Players Driving the Table Position
- Reeco Hackett: The man is having a career year. With 7 goals across all competitions (6 in the league), his ability to stretch play on the right wing is why Lincoln creates so many high-value chances.
- James Collins: The veteran presence. You need a "streetwise" striker in League One, and Collins has delivered 6 crucial goals. He knows where to stand, basically.
- George Wickens: Let's talk about the keeper. You don't stay 2nd in the league without a shot-stopper who cleans up messes. His distribution has been key to Skubala’s "futsal-inspired" transitions.
- Sonny Bradley: Bringing that Championship experience to the backline has settled the younger defenders like Ryley Towler.
Why Skubala’s Tactics Are Breaking the League
What’s weird about Lincoln this year is how they play. Michael Skubala came in with a background in elite coaching and futsal, and it shows. Most League One teams are about physical dominance and second balls. Lincoln? They focus on "pressing triggers" and "positional fluidity."
It sounds like corporate buzzwords, but watch them play. They wait for a bad touch, then boom—four players are sprinting. They move in pods. They create overloads in areas where defenders feel safe, but aren't. This tactical edge is why they are outperforming teams with much bigger budgets like Huddersfield Town or Bolton Wanderers.
December was the real test. Usually, the "Imps" struggle during the winter slog. Not this time. They went unbeaten in December, taking 13 points from 15. They beat Cardiff at home and Stockport away. That's where they really cemented their spot in the lincoln city fc standings as genuine contenders rather than just early-season flyers.
✨ Don't miss: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The Road Ahead: Can They Stay There?
The table is a bit of a mess right now because of games in hand. For example, Barnsley is way down in 17th but they’ve played four fewer games than Lincoln. If they win those, the gap shrinks fast. Stevenage and Mansfield also have games to make up.
Lincoln's next few fixtures are going to be brutal:
- Luton Town (Away): January 17. Kenilworth Road is never easy.
- Burton Albion (Home): January 22. A must-win to keep momentum.
- Bradford City (Home): January 27. This is a massive "six-pointer" for the automatic spots.
If they come out of January still in the top two, the conversation shifts from "can they make the playoffs?" to "when is the parade?"
🔗 Read more: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
What Most People Get Wrong About the Imps
There’s this narrative that Lincoln is just "lucky" or "clinical" on the break. That’s a massive oversimplification. According to recent analysis from The Stacey West, the team’s defensive organization is actually their biggest strength. They allow very few "high-quality" chances. They force teams to shoot from distance or cross into areas where Sonny Bradley can just head everything away.
Also, the recruitment has been spot on. Bringing in Josh Honohan from Shamrock Rovers on January 1st shows they aren't resting. They know they need depth for the final 20 games. They’ve built a squad that is young, hungry, and—most importantly—fit. Their late-game fitness levels are significantly higher than most of their promotion rivals.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
Keep a close eye on the "Points Per Match" (PPM) metrics. Currently, Lincoln is hovering around 1.92 PPM. Historically, in League One, you usually need about 85-90 points for automatic promotion. To hit that, Lincoln needs to maintain this exact pace.
If you're following the lincoln city fc standings, don't just look at the points. Look at the injury report for the midfield. If Conor McGrandles or Tom Bayliss pick up knocks, the system's fluidity takes a hit. The January transfer window is the final piece of the puzzle. One more creative spark in the "10" role could be the difference between a trophy and the lottery of the playoffs.
Keep an eye on the Bradford City match on the 27th; that result will likely dictate the vibe of the entire spring campaign.