Bolton’s Jay Matete at the double as Lincoln pay the price for red card

Jay Matete scored twice in the second half as Bolton shrugged off a sluggish start to beat 10-man Lincoln 3-0 in Skybet League One.

The on-loan Sunderland midfielder also forced an error from Imps’ skipper Paudie O’Connor, leading to Aaron Collins scoring his 10th goal of the season after 36 minutes.

But the home side’s first league win in four attempts was helped by an opening half, stoppage time meltdown by City’s Ethan Erhahon.

The one-time St Mirren midfielder collected his initial yellow card for dissent from referee Ross Joyce in the opening minute of injury time.

A further protest after the interval whistle brought Erhahon’s second caution, leaving Lincoln a man down for the rest of the game.

Matete, who also hit a post late on, doubled play-off chasing Bolton’s lead with a deflected 50th minute right foot effort.

And having not netted since a goal for Plymouth against Morecambe in April 2023, he sealed the three points with a powerful drive 16 minutes later.