Chelsea survives a huge scare against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup

Chelsea avoided an upset against Lincoln City as they staged a second-half comeback to win 2-1 in the third round of the competition.

Enzo Maresca’s men started off slow, with the host hitting the woodwork through a Lewis Montsma shot inside of two minutes.

Filip Jorgensen was having a shocker in the Chelsea goal, as he almost gifted Freddie Draper the opener when his failed punch landed at the striker’s feet, but his teammate Sonny Bradley inadvertently blocked the goal-bound effort.

The Blues disregarded that wake-up call and went behind in the 42nd minute after Rob Street pounced upon some shocking defending at the back.

The Premier League side started the second half strong, as they had two quick goals after the break.

Tyrique George got the equaliser for the visitors three minutes after the break when he released a powerful drive from the edge of the box in off the post, beating Zach Jeacock.

Summer signing Facundo Buonanotte gave Maresca’s men the lead two minutes later after he linked up with George, and the Argentine slotted past Jeacock from close range into the bottom right corner.

The League One team sought for the equaliser as long throws and whipped crosses flooded the Blues’ penalty area; Draper found space again, but he hit the side netting.

Chelsea’s 1,800 travelling fans in the Stacey West Stand breathed a sigh of relief at the striker’s wasted effort.

Buonanotte could have got his second of the night and settled things for the world champions in the 81st minute, when he was set up by Pedro Neto on a counter, but Jeacock’s outstretched leg saved the host from going further behind.

The Blues secured their ticket to the next round of the competition and will be involved in Wednesday’s fourth-round draw.