The Bluebirds’ five-game winning streak came to an abrupt end as they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Lincoln City in foggy conditions at the LNER Stadium. Despite dominating large periods of the match, Cardiff’s inability to convert chances proved costly as Michael Skubala’s in-form Imps claimed a fifth consecutive home victory to move into second place in League One.
A Foggy Start Reflects a Messy Affair
The thick fog that descended over Sincil Bank seemed to set the tone for what would become a frustrating afternoon for Brian Barry-Murphy’s side. The conditions created an atmospheric backdrop, but the real struggle for Cardiff came from their failure to capitalize on early dominance. The Bluebirds controlled possession for significant stretches yet found themselves chasing the game for much of the encounter.
Lincoln started with intent, and it was the hosts who carved out the first genuine opening after just 12 minutes. Tom Hamer’s trademark long throw created immediate danger, with Reeco Hackett’s towering flick-on finding space in the Cardiff penalty area, though Matt Turner remained untroubled by the effort. The Bluebirds’ goalkeeper, deputising for the injured Nathan Trott, would need to be far busier than that understated opening suggested.
Own Goal Breaks the Deadlock
The opening goal came in the most frustrating manner possible for Cardiff. As the half wore on, the visitors created genuine opportunities to take the lead. Yousef Salech rattled the crossbar in the 37th minute, his powerful effort coming close to giving the league leaders the breakthrough they deserved. Moments later, Alex Robertson curled a shot narrowly wide as Cardiff pressed forward with purpose.
However, all that pressure counted for nothing just three minutes before the interval. In an unfortunate turn of events, Robertson’s attempt to intercept a clearance from Hackett ended with the ball deflecting into his own net past the helpless Turner. It was a cruel twist of fate for the Cardiff midfielder, who had been relatively assured in his defensive duties up to that point. The own goal gave Lincoln a 1-0 lead against the run of play, a sucker punch delivered to Cardiff, who generally had the better of the opening half.
😤 Forcing the opener. pic.twitter.com/V2yl6tjdDW
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) December 21, 2025
Cardiff's Response
If there was an idea that Barry-Murphy’s side were rattled by the own-goal, they stood up and showed their mettle with a composed equaliser just four minutes into the second half. What made the response particularly impressive was the quality of the move that created the goal. The Bluebirds worked the ball patiently, with Perry Ng orchestrating a slick passing sequence involving Salech before receiving the ball back inside the penalty area. The subsequent finish past George Wickens was executed with class and control, which calmed a lot of Cardiff nerves.
Cardiff’s grip on the game intensified after levelling the score. Omari Kellyman saw a header cleared off the line as the visitors pressed their advantage, while Ryan Wintle forced another save from Wickens. For a spell, the momentum had swung strongly in Cardiff’s favor, and there was a real sense that they could complete the comeback and steal the 3 points.
Yesterday wasn’t our day, but that doesn’t mean goals like this one, directly in front of our fans, shouldn’t be appreciated. 👏
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) December 21, 2025
26 huge games left this league season. We’re already excited for Boxing Day at CCS! #Bluebirds! 💙#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/FW5sdC6TRn
Bradley’s Decisive Intervention
The defining moment arrived in the 67th minute when Sonny Bradley rose highest at the back post to meet Tom Bayliss’ corner kick. The Lincoln defender’s powerful header, dispatched from close range, restored the home side’s lead and ultimately proved to be the decisive blow. It was a moment of quality that demonstrated why Lincoln have been one of League One’s most consistent performers on their own turf.
Rob Street had an opportunity to seal matters with 12 minutes remaining, finding himself in a promising position after good work from his teammates, but his attempt flew over the crossbar. The miss would have secured Lincoln’s second consecutive victory over Cardiff, but it didn’t alter the outcome. Despite late substitutions bringing in fresh legs through Callum Robinson, Isaak Davies, and David Turnbull, Cardiff never found another meaningful opening to threaten an equaliser.
🎄 A magic moment as Sonny Bradley sent us into Christmas on a high - sealing our fifth straight home league win!
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) December 21, 2025
Watch the full highlights for free on Imps+.
What's Next?
For Cardiff, the loss represented their first defeat in five league matches, bringing to an end a period of form that had seen them seemingly pulling away at the summit. The Bluebirds showed their character in responding quickly to falling behind, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge when it mattered most. With the squad dealing with the midweek energy-sapper of a Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Chelsea, it's easy to assume that the Bluebirds are feeling the heat of a packed festive fixture list.
Barry-Murphy will have the luxury of returning to the relative comfort of the Cardiff City Stadium when Exeter City visit on Boxing Day. Lincoln, meanwhile, head into the Christmas period with momentum on their side, having demonstrated they can compete with and overcome the league’s frontrunners. The gap at the top has narrowed, and the title race has become genuinely compelling.
