Salford City vs Lincoln Match Recap - Nov 1, 2025

In a thrilling FA Cup encounter at Peninsula Stadium on November 1, 2025, Salford City emerged victorious against Lincoln after a gripping penalty shootout that followed a dramatic 1-1 draw. The match showcased the resilience of both teams, culminating in Salford's triumph with a score of 4-2 in penalties.

The first half saw Lincoln strike early when Erik Ring found the net in the 26th minute. This goal ignited hope for Lincoln, who faced challenges recently, including a streak of disappointing results in League One. As they settled into their lead, it appeared as if they might hold on for an important cup victory. Meanwhile, Salford, coming off two consecutive wins in League Two, sought to build on their recent momentum but struggled to break through Lincoln's defense.

The narrative shifted dramatically in stoppage time when Salford's Kelly N'Mai delivered a stunning equalizer in the dying moments of the match, scoring during the 90+4 minute. This late goal rattled Lincoln and breathed new life into Salford's hopes. As the final whistle blew for regular time at 1-1, both teams prepared for extra time, where fatigue began to show amid rising tensions.

As the clock ticked down into extra time, Lincoln's Tendayi Darikwa received a red card in the 116th minute after receiving his second yellow card. This dismissal left Lincoln with ten players and forced them to regroup under pressure. Despite being a man down, Lincoln fought fiercely to hold onto the tie and push the match to penalties.

The shootout unfolded with palpable tension as players stepped up to take their spot-kicks. Robert Street from Lincoln was first but failed to convert his opportunity, missing crucially at such an important juncture. Following this miss, Salford's players capitalized on their chances: Fabio Borini and Luke Garbutt scored confidently from the spot.

While Justin Obikwu managed to find success for Lincoln by converting his penalty kick shortly thereafter, it wasn't enough as Ben Woodburn stepped up next for Salford and sealed the win with another successful conversion. In totality, Salford scored four while only conceding two penalties from Lincoln.

This result highlights Salford City's ability to perform under pressure - particularly given their recent form that has seen them bounce back impressively since earlier losses. They now advance deeper into the FA Cup with newfound confidence amid league play challenges.

For Lincoln City, this defeat is more than just a missed opportunity; it leaves lingering questions about their current competitive spirit as they navigate through difficult stretches in League One. Their early exit from such an esteemed competition could weigh heavily as they strive for recovery in upcoming fixtures.

Looking ahead, both clubs will need to regroup quickly; Salford aims to ride this momentum forward while focusing on solidifying their position within League Two standings over the next fixtures. For Lincoln, finding answers on how to maintain consistency will be vital if they hope to return stronger after this setback.

As we reflect on this match filled with drama and late-game heroics - it is clear that both teams demonstrated heart and determination worthy of FA Cup aspirations. The journey continues for both sides; one destined for greater heights while the other seeks redemption after this tough exit from contention.