Chelsea survived a scare from League One underdogs Lincoln City, rallying in a frantic start to the second half to secure a 2-1 win and book their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Despite sitting 40 tiers above Lincoln in the English football hierarchy, Chelsea struggled for large stretches against Enzo Maresca’s spirited side.
The Blues’ defensive frailties were exposed when World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez made a costly error, allowing Rob Street to give the Imps a shock lead just before half-time.
Lincoln could have doubled their advantage early in the second half, with Lewis Montsma rattling the post inside the first 76 seconds.
The visitors had nine shots on target, putting Chelsea’s makeshift defence and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen under constant pressure.
Chelsea’s response after the break was electric. Within two minutes, Tyrique George unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box to level the score.
Moments later, George turned provider, setting up Facundo Buonanotte for a slick solo finish that put the Blues ahead.
Yet Lincoln remained dangerous, pushing forward and creating several chances. Freddie Draper missed a pair of close-range opportunities, while a mishandled pass from Jorgensen nearly allowed Francis Okoronkwo a simple finish, narrowly off target.
Ultimately, Chelsea escaped with a narrow victory but were reminded of the fine line between triumph and disaster against determined lower-league opposition.
