A Denny Oliver penalty was not enough to stage a second half comeback as the young Imps were defeated 3-1 by Bradford City on Friday afternoon.
Two first half goals from a strong Bantams side, including a stunning effort from the halfway line, as well as a late third meant the visitors picked up a 3-1 win at Bottesford Town’s Barrett Steel Stadium.
Issac Allan was a standout performer for City in the first half as he pulled off a fantastic double save in the early moments of the game.
The second half was much stronger from Sam Tillen’s side as the high press from the young Imps forced the Bradford defence into a mistake with Zane Okoro being fouled inside the area.
Denny Oliver would remain composed to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and gave City a route back into the fixture.
The young Imps pushed for an equaliser with the forward line breaking through the opposition defence and efforts from Bola Okewoye and Jersey Lopez went close to levelling.
In pushing for the equaliser however, City conceded a third with a clever flick in the box from the Bradford forward, resulting in a defeat but with positives to take ahead of the trip to Grimsby Town next up.