Lincoln City are once again front and centre as April’s Sky Bet League One awards underline the dominance of Michael Skubala’s title-winning side.
With both player and manager recognition, City’s relentless run through the final weeks of the season continues to set the standard across the division.
Darikwa leads from the front
Tendayi Darikwa’s nomination for Player of the Month reflects not just leadership, but output. The Imps captain has been a constant all season, but April saw him step forward in both boxes, combining his usual defensive reliability with two goals from right-back as City powered towards the title.
While others across the division have had strong months, few can match the consistency and influence Darikwa has shown in a side that simply refused to let standards drop, even with promotion already within reach.
Johnny Kenny’s scoring run for Bolton, Filip Marschall’s shot-stopping for Stevenage, and Kasey Palmer’s creative spark at Luton all stand out, but they come against the backdrop of a Lincoln side that has been operating at a different level altogether.
Skubala sets the benchmark
Michael is in line for his fourth award of the season, which could bring him level with Graham Taylor’s record, set in 1975/76.
This has been a season that will be talked about for years: five unbeaten months, promotion secured, the League One title wrapped up, and a 100-point campaign. Yet even with those milestones achieved, there was no easing off in April.
City collected 16 points from a possible 18, maintaining intensity and focus when others might have drifted. That refusal to relent has been a defining trait under Skubala, and it is why we have not just won the league but dominated it.
Elsewhere, Brian Barry-Murphy guided Cardiff to automatic promotion with a composed run of results, Ian Evatt steadied Blackpool to pull them clear of trouble, and Jack Wilshere sparked Luton’s late push towards the play-offs with a more aggressive attacking approach.
Cardiff won four and drew two, 14 points from a possible 18. Blackpool won five and lost one, 15 points from a possible 18, while Luton won five and drew one, matching our run. The Hatters didn’t beat anyone of any real note, but they did win the EFL Trophy, which doesn’t count here.
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