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Image source, PA Media

Lincoln City head to Wearside on Saturday then, with a 2-0 win over Sunderland - who at this stage look set for another season in League One.

We saw what difference a bit of atmosphere made, it certainly gave Lincoln a lift inside Sincil Bank.

The Black Cats will have 10,000 fans in the Stadium of Light, but will it have the same impact in a massive stadium?

We will see.

Join us on Friday for Oxford-Blackpool, and then again on Saturday for the second leg of this one.

Thanks for your company tonight. Good night.

Here's how the second legs shape up:

• Oxford (0) v (3) Blackpool - 19:45 BST, Friday, 21 May
• Sunderland (0) v (2) Lincoln - 15:30 BST, Saturday, 22 May

The final is at Wembley on Sunday, 30 May.

Loser92: Looks like another season in third flight for the Black Cats. They’ve been on a downward trend since that 4-0 away win against the Imps in December.

Lincoln skipper Liam Bridcutt told Sky Sports:

"It makes it that bit more extra special, it's been a long time, the boys have been desperate to get fans back. Evenings like that are what you play football for.

"We know the quality that the keeper [Joe Bursik] has got, for a player to get promotion, pretty much be on his holidays and then get the call, it shows the character. He made a massive difference today.

"Today was about controlling emotions, and we did that today. It was a case of getting control, doing what we've been doing for the past 46 games. It's been us from the start, we've got to where we are in terms of hard work and dedication.

"For them, they'll have the extra lift, it's just us keeping our wits, controlling the game and getting the job done."

Image source, Rex Features

What a night for Lincoln, back in front of their own fans.

They were bang up for it from the first whistle, they looked threatening with the ball and solid without.

Skipper Liam Bridcutt was tigerish, and the influence throughout.

Sunderland had chances this evening, but Charlie Wyke was largely anonymous.

When Adam Jackson went off early on, it forced Michael Appleton to bring on Lewis Montsma, and that substitution seemed to shackle Wyke.

Lee Johnson and his analysts won't enjoy piecing together the video review of this one, but they'll see plenty of things they can do better.

And, can Joe Bursik have a better performance than that again? Looked unbeatable.

Image source, PA Media

What a first-leg result for Lincoln City as they put a foot in the League One play-off final with a priceless 2-0 win over Sunderland.

Tom Hopper gave them the lead, turning in Jorge Grant's cross-shot after a goalless first 45, and Brennan Johnson got the break for closing down Lee Burge in the Sunderland goal to add a second.

Bailey Wright hit the bar for Sunderland, who were denied by a superb debut performance from Lincoln's Joe Bursik in goal as Aiden McGeady, Jordan Jones and Grant Leadbitter all saw chances foiled.

Saturday and the Stadium of Light promise much, as Wembley looms large on the horizon.

No.

Luke O'Nien fouls Tom Hopper on the edge of the Lincoln box. Is there a flourish for the finish?

Lincoln have traded any sense of trying to play for the hoof-it method.

And why not? They've earned the right at 2-0.

Sunderland will wonder where this game went?

Brennan Johnson, the son of David the old Forest and Ipswich striker, is off and Lincoln send on Harry Anderson.

Image source, Rex Features

Forgettable moment for Morgan Rogers, as the ball breaks to him at the back post but he just scuffs it behind. Strange finish from the Lincoln winger.

Tom Hopper was bundled over in the box by Luke O'Nien but nothing doing.

Now there's a flare/smoke canister been let off behind the stand. The party has started I think...

SIX MINUTES OF ADDED TIME.

Only champions Hull have won as many away games as Lincoln this season, with a joint-best 13.

That will buoy them for the trip to Wearside, where 10,000 Mackems will try to generate a different result for Sunderland.

Missile of a throw from Luke O'Nien is powered clear, and then as Lynden Gooch piles another cross in, Joe Bursik comes rushing to claim it for Lincoln.

Anthony Scully is given an ovation and a break as he comes off for Lincoln, and Conor McGrandles is on. More of a breaker than a creator.

It's blanket defence from Lincoln now, and any time the ball comes near their goal, it's just being hoyed away.

Row Z, over the stand, anywhere. Anywhere but the goalmouth.

Sunderland defender Tom Flanagan can't guide the header on target. It loops up and over on to the roof of the net.

There's no jubilation from Michael Appleton by the way, he's still as steel-eyed, Terminator-esque in his expression as he was at 0-0.

Grant Leadbitter swipes an effort from 20 yards but it took a nick off Tim Eyoma and goes behind for a corner...

Image source, Rex Features

What a talent Brennan Johnson is. Forest's gem for the future.

Sunderland still chucking plenty at it, but cannot make the ball stick up top.

Lee Johnson now looks a little more concerned. A rueful look on his face as he paces the technical area.

Charlie Wyke is put through but his effort is poor. The flag was up through.

The refrain of 'Red and White Army' rings around Sincil Bank as the Lincoln fans seek to gee up their side after a spell of Sunderland pressure.

Image source, Rex Features

Luke O'Nien puts in a cross that Ross Stewart attacks but the ball spins on the spot before it's hacked away.

Then Sunderland attack again, Lynden Gooch crossing but again it's thumped away.

Lincoln now having plenty of work to do.