Charlie Hughes' majestic 94th-minute header secured dogged Hull City a dramatic win over mid-table Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
The centre-back powered home a superb header from Lincoln’s inviting free-kick deep in stoppage time, earning the Tigers a vital victory in the fight against relegation.
Rubén Sellés’ men move four points clear of the drop zone with six games remaining, climbing two places to 19th after recording an 11th win and seventh shut-out of the season.
João Pedro returned up front after serving a three-match suspension as part of a trio of changes from the loss to Luton Town.
Ex-Blades John Egan and Regan Slater slotted into the centre of defence and midfield respectively, with Alfie Jones, Steven Alzate and Kasey Palmer dropping to the bench.
The Tigers started promisingly in the Sheffield sunshine; Lewie Coyle’s ambitious long-range shot sailed over, Egan’s effort was blocked by Marvin Johnson and Sean McLoughlin sliced the follow-up wide.
Kyle Joseph darted inside from the left on 16 minutes but his curling effort towards the far corner was deflected just past the post.
Subdued Wednesday’s first moment of attacking promise came just before the half-hour as Pol Valentin galloped down the right and stood up a cross that Josh Windass, climbing above Slater, glanced wide.
City’s clearest chance of a quiet first half was cleverly constructed seven minutes before the interval.
Pedro’s perfectly timed pass was neatly touched off first time by Abu Kamara to Joseph, whose side-footed finish, when well placed inside the box, was palmed away by home keeper Pierce Charles.
The Owls responded with a headed opportunity on the cusp of half-time, Marvin Johnson lifting in a precise cross that Windass nodded tamely into Ivor Pandur’s arms.
Possession
42%Shots
8Shots On Target
2Corners
3Fouls
132
0
Cards
1
0
Pandur came to the Tigers’ rescue three minutes into the second half, blocking Michael Smith’s close-range finish with his chest from Johnson’s skidding left-footed cross.
The hosts dominated possession and territory but opportunities for either side remained in short supply, Windass pulling a 25-yarder wide after intricate footwork from Barry Bannan midway through the half.
Sellés made his first in-game alterations not long after, bringing on Mason Burstow and Alzate for Joseph and Gelhardt.
There remained precious little in the way of attacking inspiration, with the boss turning to his bench again nine minutes from time as Palmer and Lincoln replaced Puerta and Kamara.
City threatened with five minutes left when Coyle’s accurate cross was met by a diving header from Pedro, but he was unable to trouble Charles.
Palmer’s fizzing centre across the face of goal evaded everyone as the Tigers started to ask more questions of the Wednesday defence.
The Owls so nearly won it in added time when Shea Charles broke forward from halfway but, under pressure from Coyle, his right-footed drive was kept out by Pandur.
Matt Crooks came on for Slater in the final change, moments before the game’s decisive moment.
In the fourth minute of added time, Lincoln whipped in an inviting free-kick that Hughes met with a bullet header which flew into the top corner via the post, sparking wild scenes.
There was still time for a Wednesday chance but Pandur pulled off an excellent save to push away Dominic Iorfa’s header as the Tigers clung on for a priceless victory.
Sheffield Wed: Pierce Charles, Valentín, Ihiekwe, Famewo (Iorfa 79'), Johnson, Shea Charles, Bannan, Gassama (Ugbo 89'), Windass (Musaba 79'), Ingelsson (Armstrong 62'), Smith (Paterson 62')
Subs: Beadle, Palmer, Valery, Hatsuse
Hull City: Pandur, Coyle, Egan, Hughes, McLoughlin, Slater (Crooks 93'), Puerta (Palmer 81'), Kamara (Lincoln 82'), Gelhardt (Alzate 69'), Joseph (Burstow 69'), João Pedro
Subs: Jones, Jacob, Lo-Tutala, Amrabat
Extended highlights of Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull City are available on Tigers Plus
