Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has promised to reward fans for their support ahead of their potential League One title decider against Lincoln City on Saturday.
All eyes will be on the Cardiff City Stadium at the weekend when the two best sides in the division meet. The Bluebirds currently top the division on 72 points, although they are just one point above their opponents.
Furthermore, the pair are both tied on a +32 goal difference and head into this game on the back of 4-0 wins over Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool respectively. Second-placed Lincoln are 10 points above Bolton Wanderers and it is widely believed, with just 12 games remaining, that both teams already have one foot in the Championship.
Barry-Murphy Keen To Reward Supporters
It’s been a tough time in recent years for Cardiff supporters. After suffering a shock relegation from the second tier last May, Barry-Murphy was brought in to secure an instant return.
Doncaster 0-4 Cardiff
Lincoln 4-0 BlackpoolCardiff – +32 goal difference
Lincoln – +32 goal differenceCardiff – 72 points
Lincoln – 71 pointsCardiff vs Lincoln next week is going to be absolute CINEMA. 🎞️#Bluebirds #CityAsOne #WeAreImps pic.twitter.com/Kkv67bmKhv
— The Deck (@TheDeckEFL) February 28, 2026
The 47-year-old has performed a stellar job so far, especially at home where they have won 14 of their 17 league outings. Speaking to official club media, the former Rochdale boss admitted he is keen for that to continue in Saturday’s lunchtime kick off:
“It should be a great day. Hopefully it will be a reward for the supporters who travel so far and have spent so much money on supporting us throughout the course of the season. Saturday will be a great day to return home and hopefully we’ll give them a good day.
“All eyes are on Saturday naturally against an opponent of the calibre that we’re facing. It’s going to be a great game and a great day for everyone.”
Continuing, Barry-Murphy was full of praise for Michael Skubala’s Lincoln:
“It’s going to be as tough as it gets because of how good the opponents are. We faced them earlier in the season and got an insight into how good they are and how difficult the game is likely to be.
“They have brilliant players all over the pitch and are a highly technical team, so we are fully aware of their strengths and have the highest regard for what they’ve done and what they do, but we’re pretty good ourselves and our form at home has been good.
“It’s one to look forward to, and one that we’ll do our best to try and win.”
What Can We Expect?
There’s little doubt that these are the best two sides in the division. Cardiff are the highest scorers in League One with 68 goals, although Lincoln are just behind on 63. Meanwhile, the Imps possess the best defence, having conceded just 31 times in 34 outings.
We got a glimpse of what Saturday could offer in December when the duo met at the LNER Stadium. The East Midlands-based side emerged with a 2-1 victory that day following an own goal from Alex Robertson and a Sonny Bradley header.
Many are expecting a high tempo game where the home side perhaps have more of the ball. Their home form could also see them over the line, although the Imps do have the best away record in the division.
In terms of the title, this could be an open encounter. However, a draw would suit both teams, with neither expected to give up their huge advantage on the chasing pack.
