Lincoln City are top of the League One interceptions chart for 2024/25, and it’s no accident.
This is a team built on discipline, structure, and relentless off-the-ball effort. Now, the numbers are here to back it up. These are numbers requested by Twitter User Contrary Imp, and provided as I watch the sun set over the Dove Dale Valley on a little holiday.
Setting the Standard in League One
We lead the way across the entire division when it comes to interceptions per 90 minutes, recording an impressive 10.6 per game. That puts us ahead of Charlton Athletic (9.2), Bristol Rovers (9.0), and Blackpool (8.6), all of whom trail in our wake when it comes to breaking up opposition play.
A total of 487 interceptions across the season isn’t just a nice stat: it’s a reflection of how The Imps approach games. We press smart, stay compact, and refuse to allow opponents time to settle. It also highlights the work done off the ball, something that often goes unnoticed unless you’re watching closely.
Paudie at the Peak. And Others Close Behind
When it comes to individual contributions, it’s no surprise to see Paudie O’Connor top the entire division. With 86 interceptions at an average of 2.3 per 90, he doesn’t just lead Lincoln; he leads League One. His anticipation and reading of the game set him apart, and his place as one of the division’s best defenders is firmly underlined by the numbers. Reading will benefit from that next season.
Just behind him is Ethan Erhahon, whose calmness in possession sometimes overshadows his defensive graft. With 56 interceptions at 2.1 per 90, Erhahon is one of the best in his position, blending positional intelligence with dogged determination.
Matching that tally is Adam Jackson with 53 interceptions and the same 2.1 per 90 figure. Like Paudie, Jackson’s positioning and awareness are central to our defensive solidity, especially when we play with a back three.
Midfield Bite and Tactical Flexibility
New club captain Tendayi Darikwa might not post the same per-90 rate as the centre-backs, but his 54 total interceptions at 1.3 per 90 reflect his consistent involvement in disrupting play down the flanks or tucking inside when needed.
Similarly, Conor McGrandles chips in with 42 interceptions (1.2 per 90), offering bite and balance to our midfield. His work may not always make headlines, but it allows others, like Erhahon, to play with more freedom.
Thomas Hamer, more a utility man than a first-choice regular, still made 16 interceptions (1.1 per 90), which underlines how well-drilled every member of the squad is, even those with more limited minutes.
Backline Depth and Emerging Influence
Sean Roughan, playing every single game, made 48 interceptions at a rate of 1.0 per 90. His versatility continued to be a valuable asset, right up to his departure. Dom Jefferies (18 interceptions, 0.8 per 90) and Tom Bayliss (17 interceptions, 0.8 per 90) have brought energy and aggression to the midfield unit.
Reeco Hackett, often used in a more advanced or hybrid role, made 15 interceptions (0.6 per 90), suggesting that even further up the pitch, there’s a team-first mentality that drives pressing and turnover creation.
Front-Foot Pressing From the Attackers
We’ve always valued pressing from the front, and the stats back it up.
Ben House leads the attacking group with 15 interceptions (0.5 per 90), harrying defenders and forcing mistakes. Bailey Cadamarteri follows with six (0.5 per 90), while Jovon Makama added ten at 0.4 per 90; a decent return for a player still developing his all-round game.
The same 0.4 figure applies to Ethan Hamilton, Freddie Draper, and Erik Ring. At the same time, Jack Moylan rounds off the list with four interceptions at 0.3 per 90, reflective of a player focused more on chance creation than regaining possession. Of those players, injuries are a factor, all having been hit at some part of the season.
Putting It All Together
To have three players in the top four for interceptions per 90 across the entire division says everything about how we defend as a team. We don’t just react; we anticipate. We don’t just clear our lines; we win the ball cleanly, early, and intelligently.
Compare that to names like Krystian Bielik (2.3 per 90), Lloyd Jones (1.9), and James Wilson (1.7), and you see how dominant our trio of Paudie, Erhahon, and Jackson really are.
This isn’t just a team statistic. It’s a culture. The Imps don’t switch off. From back to front, we stay alert, engaged, and organised. The numbers aren’t surprising, they’re confirmation of what we see every week.
And with these players continuing to develop under Michael Skubala’s system, don’t be shocked if this is just the start.
League One Interceptions 2024/25
| Rank | Player | Total Interceptions | Interceptions per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paudie O’Connor | 86 | 2.3 |
| 2 | Krystian Bielik | 46 | 2.3 |
| 3 | Ethan Erhahon | 56 | 2.1 |
| 4 | Adam Jackson | 53 | 2.1 |
| 5 | Lloyd Jones | 64 | 1.9 |