Lincoln City Player Ratings v Burnley

Lincoln City recorded their first home win at Championship level since 1961 with a magnificent 4-1 victory against Burnley, but who stood out for the Imps on a memorable afternoon at Sincil Bank?

Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw made three changes to the side that drew at Millwall, bringing Mikkel Ladefoged, Ben House and Conor McGrandles into the starting XI. After falling behind to an Andréas Hountondji goal, City responded through House before a devastating second-half display saw Ladefoged score twice and Dom Jefferies add another.

George Wickens also saved a late penalty as the Imps secured an emphatic victory, with several players producing outstanding individual performances.

Here are our ratings from an afternoon to remember, and your chance to join in.

George Wickens – 8

Super George Winckens in goal lived up to his name. Not to blame for the goal, he made a good first-half save before getting his moment from Marcus Edwards’ penalty, which he stopped well.

Andrei Coubiș – 9

One of our full international defenders, he oozed class throughout. Took three of the Stacey West panel Man of the Match awards, and could have had an early goal, but for the offside flag. He was a constant threat on the right with pace and power, and his long throw caused the Clarets problems.

Deji Elerewe – 9

Is he a centre back? Or is he a marauding attacking midfielder? Is he a wing back? All I know is he’s called Deji Elerewe, and he was outstanding yet again. He was so close to his first Imps’ goal, scooping over in the final minutes.

Sonny Bradley – 8

Age is not a limiter on effectiveness, and how Luton and Derby both felt Bradley was surplus to requirements is beyond me. He’s a solid presence at the back, led well, but came off with ten minutes left as a precaution.

Adam Reach – 8

Celebrated his new contract with a win, and while he wasn’t among the goals or assists, he is another who put huge question marks over the likes of Wycombe, who felt he wasn’t required in League One. Full of energy, he’s showing no signs of fading and is a key part of the overall machine at Sincil Bank.

Reeco Hackett – 8

I’ve seen some questioning his position for their goal, but the same people don’t praise his clearance off the line not long before. Supplied some dangerous crosses which look much better when Ladefoged is the target. Impressive outing after a couple of big misses in recent encounters.

Conor McGrandles – 8

Some were surprised he was recalled, but it underlines his standing within the group. Looked more like the Conor of 2025/26 than the one trudging off against West Ham, showing some neat footwork and recycling the ball well throughout.

Yunus Konak – 9

I was super impressed with Yunus. He’s got that little bit of class, and he moved around the pitch like a prime Liam Bridcutt, which is enough for me. Looked angry at himself over his deflected shot, which shows a real desire.

Dom Jefferies – 9

I gave Dom my Man of the Match, not just because he was outstanding either. Lots of players got nines (and you’ll see a ten as well), which does suggest I allocated it wrong, but I gave it to Dom because he plays in different positions each game, and never lacks that fight or endeavour. His finish was real quality, and he sent a strong message to those suggesting before the game he shouldn’t start. Me, basically.

Ben House – 10

I’ve watched back extended highlights, key moments, goals, and I’m giving Ben House a ten. A goal, an assist and generally just an outrageously good performance from a player who is unique in the Championship. His work rate is just unreal, and while nobody slouches, what he does is noticeable. He presses so well, and he bothered the Burnley players from first to last.

Mikkel Ladefoged – 9

I didn’t think Mikkel had a terrific first half; tough conditions such as driving rain perhaps made it difficult as a target man, but the second period belonged to our record signing. Two goals, and a hand in the third cannot be ignored. He’s here to spearhead a Championship attack, and he now has three goals from a single start. Job done.

Substitutes

Ryley Towler – 6

Came on for Bradley with ten minutes to go and gave away a penalty, but it’s not easy to judge someone on such a small cameo. The penalty looked quite soft to me.

Rob Street – 7

Street did enough in his cameo to warrant a seven, hitting the bar late on. Again, hard to make a noticeable impression in such a short space of time.

Chiedozie Ogbene – 6

Came on and showed plenty of intent. Lots of calls for him to start, but Jefferies and Hackett stepped up superbly, leaving Ogbene with just a couple of minutes.

Daniel Oyegoke – n/a

Ivan Varfolomeev – n/a

I wouldn’t be so bold as to try to rate players who got six minutes of action.