I thought Patreons might like to see the bare stats for our recent draw with Bolton Wanderers, courtesy of Wyscout.
City set up in a compact 5-4-1, and the stats show exactly how deep and reactive they were compared to Bolton’s 4-2-3-1. Bolton dominated possession (71% to Lincoln’s 29%), attempting 640 passes with 568 accurate (88.8%), while City managed 225 with 167 accurate (74.2%). That gulf underlines a game where City were forced to soak up pressure and play in bursts rather than sustained spells.
In terms of expected goals (xG), Bolton generated 2.07, compared to our 0.42. That highlights how much more dangerous Steven Schumacher’s side were in front of goal, but City’s defensive shape limited them to just six shots on target from 18 attempts (33.3% accuracy). We had only five shots in total, three on target, meaning every chance carried weight but lacked volume.
Attacking metrics reinforce the contrast. Bolton made 43 entries into the final third, compared to City’s 19, and delivered 19 crosses (7 successful) against our 10 (3 successful). The Imps didn’t produce a single accurate through ball or cutback, while Bolton attempted 13 through balls, albeit with just one success. Essentially, Bolton tried to force gaps; we relied on moments.
Defensively, the Imps were tested heavily: we faced 103 duels, winning 76 (73.8%), an excellent success rate under pressure. Aerially, City were solid too, winning 32 of 61 contests (52.5%), while Bolton struggled in the air, winning only 20 of 61 (32.8%). Of course that doesn’t add up to 100%, because not all duels are won by someone.
Our five-man backline was effective at blocking — 13 interceptions to Bolton’s 10 — and at clearing danger, with 47 clearances made.
Individually, Bolton’s press was clear in their recoveries: 117 overall, 67 high (57%), showing they tried to pen City in. By contrast, we had 118 recoveries, 38 in the defensive third. The Imps had to defend for long spells but did so with structure and discipline.
Passing patterns again underline style. Bolton were progressive and safe: 256 short passes at 92% accuracy, 153 medium passes at 80%, and 75 long balls at 99% accuracy. City’s passing game was fractured: just 67 medium passes at 64% accuracy, and a low 52% success rate with long balls, reflecting clearance-based football rather than sustained progression.
Summary by numbers
Bolton controlled the ball, dictated tempo, and carved out better chances, reflected in the possession, xG, and shot volume. The Imps, however, defended resiliently, posting strong duel and aerial win rates, and held firm enough to make their limited attacks count.
Statistically, Bolton will feel they should have won comfortably, but our defensive structure and efficiency in the few moments we had earned a valuable point.
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