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That's it from us at VAVEL this afternoon - what a game that was!
The play-offs never disappoint, especially if you are a Blackpool fan who return to the second tier after securing their sixth promotion via the play-offs!
Thank you for following along!
Critchley reaction
"The support I've been given [from everyone at the club] has been incredible, especially after the slow start we made to the season.
"Two fantastic strikes [from Dougall] Kenny is a top guy and great to work with, as are all the players at the club!
"We're under no illusions as to how tough the Championship will be [...] but will go up and give everything we've got [next season]."
Play-off ecstasy for the 'Pool
WE ARE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/iLEQn1rcpY — Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 30, 2021
Dougall reaction
"Earlier on in the season, he [Critchley] was telling me not to shoot!
"We'll enjoy tonight, that's for sure!"
Dougall the obvious man of the match in this one, with two brilliant goals from the defensive midfielder.
Turton reaction
"It [the ball] came so quick so I couldn't do much about it, but we still had ninety minutes to play so we had to stick to the game plan.
"We knew we'd create chances and score goals, and that's what we've done!
"I've been here four years and the club has come on leaps and bounds during that time - the only way is up now!"
Relief for the defender in the end!
Blackpool love the play-offs
6 - Blackpool earned their sixth promotion via the Football League play-offs – at least two more than any other side. Indeed, each of the last six times the Seasiders have been promoted has come after a successful play-off campaign. Occasion. pic.twitter.com/3dVmu4Mf14 — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 30, 2021
What a season for Critchley's men
THAT'S IT. WE ARE GOING UP!!!!!!!!!
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/1Xk1Fe9DKO — Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 30, 2021
FT BLACKPOOL ARE UP!
There were some nervous moments at the end there for Neil Critchley's side, but the EFL's most successful play-off side have won again, and they're back in the Championship after a six-year absence!
90+4' Poole with a big chance!
Most likely the final chance for Lincoln to equalise as the ball falls to defender Poole with space and time to shoot just inside the box.
He's leaning back, however, and the ball was only going upwards as he swung his right boot at it. That could be it.
90' Standing ovation for Yates
Jordan Thornley replaces Yates, who has put in a professional performance for his side today despite not scoring, and he gets some appreciation from the Blackpool support as he walks off the field.
88' Rogers fires just wide!
Maxwell in the Blackpool goal is relieved to see Rogers' curling effort bounce just wide of the right post as the Lincoln player was given time and space to shoot!
85' Lincoln toiling for an equaliser
Substitute Morton heads over from a Johnson cross, but Lincoln are struggling to create clear-cut opportunities, and time is running out to find that crucial equaliser
77' Madine goes close with a header!
They brought him on to win the aerial battles, and he does on this occasion; he can't quite keep his header down, however, as it loops onto the roof of the net!
Another good opportunity for Blackpool to put the game out of sight - will they rue these missed chances?!
15 minutes for Blackpool to hold on!
The Tangerine dream is very much alive! 🧡#EFL | #EFLPlayOffs | #StepUp pic.twitter.com/3WxlIyUW6c — Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) May 30, 2021
73' Great chance for Yates!
Blackpool's top scorer has had to be patient this afternoon, but when Dougall's through-ball rolled straight into his path, you would expect him to score!
Yates looks to chip Palmer but does not get enough power on the ball to see it over the goal-line!
69' Madine on as Blackpool look to go direct
It looks to be a switch to a straight 4-4-2 formation for Blackpool as they bring on the Madine for Mitchell, with the aim to go more direct as Lincoln push for an equaliser.
61' Big opening for Lincoln!
Lincoln need a response, and Johnson could be the man to provide it if they can get the ball to him more often!
The ball falls to the winger in the box, and he gets in the position to shoot from close range but hesitates and allows more defenders to arrive on the scene!
54' GOAL BLACKPOOL! DOUGALL AGAIN!
Blackpool have an unlikely hero in Dougall as he grabs his and his side's second goal to turn the game on its head!
Good work from Jerry Yates to hold the ball up in the box and roll it into the midfielder's path to strike!
51' Lincoln defend well as Pool bombard box
The Imps are standing firm in defence as Blackpool continue to get balls into the box - they're having a lot of success down the right-hand side to start the half!
46' Back underway
Lincoln need to pick up their performance if they're going to win this game! Can Blackpool keep up the pressure?
Dougall equaliser
“Blackpool rise to the challenge!”#EFL | #EFLPlayOffs | #StepUp pic.twitter.com/5RqSh07knK — Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) May 30, 2021
Opening goal
The second-fastest Play-Off Final goal of all-time, and fastest-ever at this level! 😯 #EFL | #EFLPlayOffs | #StepUp pic.twitter.com/6f2WSW8h5P — EFL (@EFL) May 30, 2021
HT: Scores are level, but Blackpool on top!
It was the perfect start for Lincoln, scoring inside the first minute, but ever since that happened, Blackpool have been one step ahead and deserved their equaliser.
Food for thought for both managers at the break!
41' Mitchell again with a chance!
This time the winger gets a free header on the edge of the six-yard box, but Palmer gets down well to save!
Lincoln really on the back foot here; the midfield have been starved of possession, and Blackpool continue to press!
34' GOAL BLACKPOOL!
Elliot Embleton rolls the ball to Kenny Dougall outside the Lincoln area - he fires a low, swerving effort that Plamer gets a hand to but can't keep out!
Definitely deserved for the Tangerines; they've been on top since conceding!
27' Palmer denies Mitchell!
Two hands to the ball from Palmer to push away Mitchell's strong effort from about ten yards out! Big save!
25' Grant hits the bar!
Lincoln come so close to a crucial second goal as Jorge Grant is given the space to turn and shoot from just outside the box. His curling efforts clips the crossbar and spins out! SO CLOSE!
21' Garbutt on target with free-kick
Garbutt manages to guide his long-distance free-kick on target, but Palmer is well-positioned to grab the ball.
15' Poor effort from Mitchell
Demetri Mitchell gets into a good position to shoot on his left foot just outside the box, but his shot is poor, and Alex Palmer easily collects.
9' Yellow for Garbutt, great start from Johnson
Luke Garbutt gets an early yellow as Brennan Johnson glides past him and forces the defender to foul.
Johnson has made a great start for the Imps, playing a crucial role in the own goal, getting to the byline and crossing the ball in.
1' GOAL LINCOLN! Nightmare OG for Turton!
Wow. What a start! It's poor from the young defender who gets his body position all wrong to turn the ball into his own net trying to clear a low cross into the box!
1' We're underway at Wembley!
The fans of both sides are in full voice as the game gets underway to decide who will occupy the final spot in the Championship next season!
Teams are out!
The teams are out; the stage is set! Time for play-off final number two of three this weekend!
A momentous day for Lincoln
Lincoln have lost both of their previous Football League play-off finals; both played at the Millennium Stadium, but they did win their only previous Wembley appearance in the final of the 2018 EFL Trophy.
The Imps are looking to reach England's second tier for the first time in 60 years against Blackpool - the most successful play-off side.
Lincoln would become the first-ever team to win promotion from the non-league, fourth tier and third tier in the space of five seasons if they're successful today!
How Lincoln made the final
How Blackpool made the final
30 mins to KO! Who will be the key man in this one?
Not long to go now! Who will be the key player in this fixture?
Will Jerry Yates add to his 21 goals this season? He's scored and set up three goals each in his last four appearances!
Can Jorge Grant lead the way for a Lincoln? He leads the way for goals and assists in his team with 22 direct goal contributions.
Blackpool FC: The Tangerine dream
The last decade or so has been a rollercoaster ride for the seaside club; Trent Hutson looks into this journey in-depth for VAVEL UK...
Lincoln arrive a little late!
Hey, @LincolnCity_FC! 👋 #EFL | #EFLPlayOffs | #StepUp pic.twitter.com/Jm0AeBLXSA — Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) May 30, 2021
Slight tweaks for both teams
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley is forced to make one change to the side that drew 3-3 with Oxford in the semi-final second leg, as Keshi Anderson replaces Ellis Simms.
As expected, Connor McGrandles and Joe Walsh start after their impressive substitute performances in the second-leg against Sunderland!
Lincoln confirmed team
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 📝@JoeWalsh92 and @McGrandlesConor start 👊 — Lincoln City FC (@LincolnCity_FC) May 30, 2021
Blackpool confirmed team
🔢 Today's side to take on @LincolnCity_FC, in association with @smithshire:
🔸 Yates up top as Simms misses out
🔸 Mitchell and Anderson out wide
🔸 CJ HAMILTON returns for a place on the bench!
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/5isSKB0Syd — Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 30, 2021
Last meeting
Lots of goals this afternoon?
The two League One matches between Blackpool and Lincoln this season produced nine goals - a 3-2 win for the Imps at Bloomfield Road and a 2-2 draw at Sincil Bank.
If that's anything to go by, then when should be in for a great game this afternoon!
Will form matter in the final?
At the beginning of March, Blackpool were in the bottom half of the league, but an incredible run, including 5 wins in their last six, has them as the bookies favourite.
Lincoln's form has not been quite as brilliant this calender year, and they'll have to become just the fifth team to beat Blackpool in the last five months to gain promotion.
They have, however, done the double over the Seasiders this season, and anything can happen in the final!
Players get their first look at Wembley turf
👍 The players have arrived.
🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/2OQgcCOWMt — Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 30, 2021
Blackpool prolific in the play-offs
This is @BlackpoolFC's 𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐡 Play-Off Final appearance.
They have won promotion 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 times via the Play-Offs, the most of any side.#EFL | #EFLPlayOffs | #StepUp pic.twitter.com/5CDcEjFH8n — Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) May 30, 2021
Check out our preview!
With not long to go to kick-off at Wembley Stadium, why not check out our PREVIEW, written by Jack Theaker, to get all the information you need for the game!
Follow the big game on VAVEL
Do not miss a detail of the match with the live updates and commentaries of VAVEL. Follow along with us all the details, commentaries, analysis and lineups for Blackpool vs Lincoln City.
Appleton surprised by his team's performance this season
Appleton admitted that the Lincolnshire outfit's incredible progress has taken even him by surprise but is determined to grasp the opportunity to make history. (via LincolnshireLive)
The Lincoln boss said: "If you want to build something, you've got to do it step by step and hope that you put the foundations in place to go up to the next level.
"We've done a lot quicker than we thought we would but we've got an opportunity to do something, and hopefully we can do that now."
Critchley wants one last push
Blackpool boss Critchley insists nothing has been achieved yet, and it's no good coming back empty-handed from Wembley. (via Blackpool Gazette)
Critchley said: "The consistency we have shown has been outstanding, but I've said on many occasions I know the strength of the squad we've got and the quality we've got in the dressing room, so my job is always to challenge them and make sure I get the best out of them.
"I think they've done that, but we're not quite finished yet."
How to watch Blackpool vs Lincoln City Live TV and Stream
If you want to watch the game on TV, your options are: Sky Sports Football and Main Event channels
If you want to stream it directly: Sky Go or NOW TV
If you want to watch it on the internet, VAVEL UK is your best option!
Lincoln City: Predicted Lineup
(4-3-3): Palmer, Poole, Eyoma, Walsh, Edun, McGrandles, Bridcutt, Grant, Johnson, Hopper, Rogers.
Blackpool: Predicted Lineup
(4-4-2): Maxwell, Turton, Ekpiteta, Husband, Garbutt, Mitchell, Stewart, Dougall, Embleton, Simms, Yates.
Lincoln City team news
Taken from Jack Theaker's preview on VAVEL UK:
In the other camp, Lincoln manager Michael Appleton could start both Joe Walsh and Conor McGrandles after their impressive impact off the bench in the semi-final second leg.
James Jones and Adam Jackson will miss the game, however, so TJ Eyoma is likely to continue at centre-back, where he has been so solid in recent weeks. Although Eyoma, Walsh and Lewis Montsma have all been put down as ‘50/50’ for the game.
Blackpool team news
Taken from Jack Theaker's preview on VAVEL UK:
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley could be without promising defender Dan Ballard who went off with a knock at half-time of their second leg, following a meaty challenge.
There is a possibility that winger Sullay Kaikai will be involved after missing out on both semi-final legs with a hamstring injury. However, it will likely be from the bench, if anything.
Lincoln's incredible rise
Blackpool's time spent away from the second tier of English football is unequivocally trumped by the Imps, who will bid to end a 50-year absence on Sunday.
The Lincolnshire outfit were playing non-league football just over four years ago, and they were by no means considered a promotion candidate this season.
Firstly under the Cowley brothers and now Michael Appleton, Lincoln have built a solid foundation for future success whether or not they are triumphant on Sunday.
A new dawn for The Tangerines
It has now been six years since Blackpool fans last experienced Championship football, with the North-West outfit having finished no higher than 10th in League One during that time - until now.
Since 16 February, Neil Critchley's side have only lost two games, both by 1-0 scorelines, a momentous run that has Blackpool within touching distance of second-tier football for the first time in a while
Route to the final
Blackpool finished third in the League One table, setting up a semi-final tie with Oxford United, who they overcame comfortably, winning 6-3 on aggregate.
It was not quite as plain sailing for Lincoln, who had to fend off a second-leg comeback from Sunderland to book their place at Wembley with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Kick-off time
Blackpool vs Lincoln City will be played at Wembley Stadium, in London, England. The kick-off is scheduled at 15:00 BST.
Welcome
Welcome to VAVEL UK’s LIVE coverage of the 2021 Sky Bet League One play-off final: Blackpool vs Lincoln City! My name is Sam Allen and I’ll be your host for this game. We will provide you with pre-game analysis, team updates, and news as it happens live here on VAVEL.com.