Red Imps equal Pompey’s seasonal record – but fall out of play-off zone

Lincoln City equalled Pompey’s record of the longest unbeaten third tier run this season - on the day they dropped out of the playoffs.

John Mousinho’s men started 2023/24 with 10 wins and six draws, finally losing to Blackpool in November.

That’s a 16-game record the Red Imps have now equalled, also with 10 wins and six draws following Saturday’s 1-1 stalemate at Reading.

Lincoln went ahead much against the run of play in the 72nd minute, through sub Freddie Draper. But Reading deservedly levelled seven minutes from the end, with defender Tyler Bindon heading in a corner from Lewis Wing.

That result enabled Oxford to leap above Lincoln and into the final play-off place after a second 4-0 win in five days.

After caning Fleetwood at home to midweek, the U’s repeated the feat at Burton, who are now in the relegation zone on goal difference after Port Vale’s draw at Wigan.

Oxford are now two points ahead of Lincoln, with both teams having four games left - and are due to meet at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow week!

Pompey, lest we forget, are currently on a 15-game unbeaten run, featuring 11 wins and four draws.

Remaining games Pompey (1st, 90 pts, 42 games); Apr 13:

Bolton (A): Apr 16: Barnsley (H): Apr 20: Wigan (H): Apr 27: Lincoln (A).

Derby (2nd, 82 pts, 42 games): Apr 10: Wycombe (A): Apr 13: Orient (H); Apr 20: Cambridge (H): Apr 27: Carlisle (H).

Bolton (3rd, 81 pts, 42 games):

Apr 13: Bolton (A): Apr

16: Shrewsbury (H); Apr

20: Port Vale (H): Apr 27: Peterborough (A).

Peterborough (4th, 74 pts, 40 games): Apr 10: Port Vale (H); Apr 13: Oxford (A); Apr 16: Fleetwood (H); Apr 20: Bristol Rov (A): Apr 23: Cheltenham (A): Apr 27: Bolton (H).

Barnsley (5th, 74 pts, 41 games): Apr 9: Stevenage (A): Apr 13: Reading (H); Apr 16: Pompey (A): Apr 20: Blackpool (A): Apr 27: Northampton (H).