Skipper puts in display
Not that many Chelsea players will be asking for this match to be added to their showreels, Enzo Fernandez was the pick of a bad bunch.
He covered a lot of ground for the West London outfit, trying to break up a high-tempo style by Lincoln City.
The Argentine seemed to miss his partner in crime, Moises Caicedo, who he has built a relationship with now.
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton
86. Hugo Ekitike’s joy is short lived.
The French striker taps the ball home from close range to put his side ahead.
He celebrates by whipping his top off… but he is already on a booking and that means he is given a red card.
FT: Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea
It was a perfect performance in the first-half from the hosts.
While Chelsea were well below what is expected, Lincoln City went into the interval with a slender lead.
However, goals from George and Buonanotte in the space of two minutes was enough to see the West London outfit through.
View from SunSport’s Jack Rosser
Well, Chelsea are through but Enzo Maresca will not be happy with that one bit.
The two goals showed a good, speedy response after the break but they desperately struggled with Lincoln at times.
And not just the direct stuff, towards the end there were plenty of last ditch challenges to stop a smart Lincoln break.
FT: Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea
The referee brings the game to a close.
Chelsea have survived a real scare here today.
Two quick-fire goals were enough to see them through.