2022/23 Southampton
1-2 (A) OG
Lincoln City came within another disputed refereeing decision of taking Premier League Southampton to penalties in this 2022 fourth-round tie at St Mary’s. The Imps made a dream start when Paudie O’Connor challenged Gavin Bazunu at a Matty Virtue corner, with the ball ending up in the net after less than two minutes. Ché Adams equalised midway through the first half, although replays suggested he had strayed offside, while Charles Vernam also tested Bazunu following an excellent move involving Ben House and Virtue.
Mark Kennedy’s side defended superbly after the break and remained firmly in the contest despite Southampton’s greater possession. City were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty when a defender handled inside the area, before Adams struck again in the 74th minute after the Imps had initially cleared off the line. Carl Rushworth prevented Southampton from extending their advantage and Lincoln continued pushing until the end, but a 2-1 defeat ended their attempt to reach the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time. It was a painful exit, yet the performance showed that City could compete with an almost full-strength Premier League side.
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