Bamford brace leads Sheffield United to 3-0 win over Lincoln

Patrick Bamford scored twice as Sheffield United beat Lincoln 3-0. The win moved Sheffield United above their opponents in the table, while Lincoln dropped after a second successive defeat.

Lincoln started with purpose. Rob Street headed the ball back to Sonny Bradley, whose effort from the edge of the six-yard box went over. Earlier, Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper had comfortably dealt with a low shot from Conor McGrandles and a free-kick by Adam Reach. The home side then grew into the match: Joe Rothwell sent a long-range effort narrowly wide, and Ben Brereton Diaz shot straight at Lincoln goalkeeper George Wickens before the breakthrough.

Rothwell fired over from a good position soon after the restart. Lincoln made three substitutions shortly after the hour, bringing on Mikel Ladefoged, Yunus Konak and Chiedozie Ogbene. The changes did not shift the momentum. Ogbene did pose a threat down the left, though without seriously troubling the defence.

Lincoln could not build on its promising start. Late in the match, Cooper saved a close-range effort before Ladefoged sent the rebound wide. Sheffield United held on to its advantage and climbed to 13th, while Lincoln fell to 15th.