Enzo Maresca's Chelsea survived a major Carabao Cup scare on Tuesday night, coming from behind to defeat a valiant Lincoln City 2-1 in a pulsating encounter at Sincil Bank.
The League One side sent shockwaves through the competition when Jovon Makama capitalised on a defensive error to give the Imps a stunning 26th-minute lead, sending the home crowd into delirium.
Second-Half Transformation
Chelsea emerged after the break with renewed purpose, and their pressure told just before the hour mark. A cleverly worked move found Michael Golding, who coolly slotted home his first senior goal for the Blues to level the scores.
The Premier League giants continued to dominate possession but found Lincoln's resolute defence a tough nut to crack. As the game edged towards a potential penalty shootout, the decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute.
Late Drama Seals Chelsea's Progress
Noni Madueke was brought down in the area, and the England Under-21 international stepped up to calmly convert the resulting spot-kick, breaking Lincoln hearts and sending Chelsea through to the third round.
Maresca made eleven changes to his starting lineup, handing full debuts to several youngsters. While the performance was far from fluid, the Italian manager will be relieved to have navigated a potential banana skin against a side managed by former Chelsea academy coach Michael Skubala.
The result sees Chelsea advance in a competition they will be keen to challenge for, while Lincoln City exit with immense credit after pushing top-flight opposition to the limit.
