The Imps secured their first home league victory at Championship level since 1961, recovering from a goal down to overwhelm the Clarets with an impressive second-half display. Two goals from Mikkel Ladefoged, along with efforts from Ben House and Dom Jefferies, ensured City collected all three points, although there was a brief concern when Bradley required treatment towards the end of the contest.
The experienced defender was replaced by Ryley Towler in the 80th minute, with City already leading 4-1 and looking comfortable. Bradley had been an important part of another strong defensive performance, and his withdrawal raised questions about whether the Imps might be facing another spell without an experienced member of their back line.
Let’s face it, if Sonny Bradley goes down, you have to worry, because he’s as hard as a brickie’s handshake. When I asked Tom about his condition following the final whistle, he eased those worries.
“Just a precaution,” he told written press after the game.
“He felt a little bit stiff in the second half, and it felt like the right moment to take him off the pitch, but nothing too concerning at this point.”
Bradley has taken on additional responsibility this season following the long-term injury suffered by club captain Tendayi Darikwa against Portsmouth in August. Darikwa was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, leaving Bradley to wear the captain’s armband and provide leadership during City’s first Championship season in 65 years.
The 35-year-old joined the Imps from Derby County in the summer of 2025, bringing considerable experience from spells with Hull City, Portsmouth, Crawley Town, Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town. He helped Luton win promotion from League One and later reach the Premier League, while also earning promotion with Derby before moving to Lincoln.
He was a key figure in City’s League One title-winning campaign last season, establishing himself as an influential presence in defence and earning the club’s Player of the Season award. His experience has continued to be important following promotion, particularly with Darikwa unavailable.
With Birmingham City next to visit Sincil Bank, Tom’s assessment suggests there is no immediate reason for concern over Bradley’s availability, although his condition will surely continue to be monitored following Saturday’s withdrawal.
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