Millwall and Lincoln City shared the points in a fiercely contested 2-2 draw at The Den, a result that underlined both the hosts’ playoff ambition and Lincoln’s growing resilience in the EFL Championship.

On a lively Saturday evening in south London, the match delivered the kind of end-to-end football that has become a trademark of the Championship. Millwall twice looked capable of taking control, but Lincoln City responded with character each time, eventually earning a draw that will feel valuable in the context of the early-season standings.

Match overview

Millwall began with purpose, pressing high and using the width of The Den to stretch Lincoln’s back line. The home side’s first-half pressure produced the opening goal, but Lincoln grew into the contest and equalised before the interval. The second half followed a similar pattern: Millwall edged ahead again, only for Lincoln to find a late response and silence the home crowd’s celebrations.

• Competition: English Football League Championship
• Venue: The Den, London
• Kick-off: 19:30, 17 October 2026
• Final score: Millwall 2-2 Lincoln City

Key moments

The opening goal arrived after a sustained spell of Millwall pressure. A quick transition from midfield sent the home side into the box, and a low finish gave the Lincoln goalkeeper no chance. Rather than retreat, Lincoln responded with composure. Their equaliser came from a well-worked move down the right, finished with a calm strike that shifted the momentum before half-time.

Millwall restored their lead in the second half when a set-piece caused chaos in the Lincoln penalty area. The ball was only half-cleared, and the hosts punished the hesitation with a powerful finish. It looked as though that would be enough, but Lincoln pushed more bodies forward in the final 15 minutes. Their persistence paid off when a late cross was converted at the back post, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling support.

Tactical story

Millwall’s approach was built on intensity and directness. They looked to win second balls in midfield and frequently targeted the channels behind Lincoln’s full-backs. The hosts were especially dangerous from corners and long throws, a familiar weapon at The Den. However, their inability to manage the game after taking the lead allowed Lincoln to stay within reach.

Lincoln City, meanwhile, showed why they are capable of competing in the Championship. Their midfield stayed compact, their wingers carried a counter-attacking threat, and their goalkeeper handled sustained pressure well. The visitors’ willingness to keep attacking late in the game was rewarded, even if their defending for Millwall’s second goal will be a source of frustration for the coaching staff.

Standout performers

Millwall’s right-sided attacker was a constant outlet, combining pace with intelligent movement between the lines. In midfield, the home captain drove the team forward and was central to both goals. For Lincoln, the goalkeeper made several important saves, while the substitute who provided the late assist changed the tempo of the match.

What the draw means

The point keeps Millwall in the chase for the Championship playoff places, but it will feel like two dropped at home. Lincoln City, by contrast, will take confidence from twice coming from behind away from home. In a division where fine margins shape the table, this was a reminder that neither side can be written off — and that Lincoln’s away form could be a key storyline as the season develops.