The Imps’ unbeaten run came to an end following a narrow defeat to Burton Albion at the LNER Stadium.

City started with plenty of attacking intent and the opening chance fell to Ben House as he latched onto a long ball and volleyed at Albion’s goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray.

Minutes later, Dylan Duffy’s powerful cross into the box was cleared as far as Mide Shodipo whose attempt on goal was blocked before it could trouble MacGillivray.

The chances continued to fall for the Imps and Duffy, who scored his first City goal last time out against Wycombe Wanderers, tried his luck again from outside the box but fired narrowly wide.

The visitors created their first sight of goal following Adam Jackson’s mishit pass and, after some good work by Jonny Smith, Deji Oshilaja’s shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Following an even period of play, Ethan Erhahon closed out the first half with a sublime ball through to Max Sanders but MacGillivray was equal to his effort.

City started the second half in a similar style to the first as Danny Mandroiu, who came on at the break for Duffy, immediately looked to test Burton’s goalkeeper with a long-range strike.

The Brewers grew into the half with a flurry of attacks and almost broke the deadlock as Smith cut onto his left before curling an effort onto the crossbar.

Mark Kennedy’s side created a golden opportunity in the 67th minute when Shodipo played the ball across the face of goal but the onrushing Lasse Sorensen couldn’t arrive in time to turn the ball into the gaping net.

The lively Smith was the main threat for visitors and won a corner after Carl Rushworth tipped his strike over the crossbar.

Burton opened the scoring as the Imps failed to clear the resultant corner which allowed substitute Gassan Ahadme to poke the ball over the line in the 79th minute.

City came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the 88th minute as Mandroiu skipped past two Albion defenders into the box and squared just ahead of the outstretched Luke Plange.

City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole, Harry Boyes (Sean Roughan 76'), Adam Jackson, Max Sanders (Matty Virtue 76'), Mide Shodipo (Luke Plange 68'), Ethan Erhahon, Paudie O'Connor, Ben House, Lasse Sorensen, Dylan Duffy (Danny Mandroiu 46'). Subs (not used): Sam Long, TJ Eyoma, Jovon Makama.

Burton Albion: Craig MacGillivray, John Brayford, Deji Oshilaja, Sam Hughes, Joe Powell, Dale Taylor (Gassan Ahadme 67'), Jonny Smith (Josh Walker 81'), Jasper Moon, Conor Shaughnessy, Mark Helm, Zac Ashworth. Subs (not used): Ben Garratt, Sam Winnall, Charlie Kirk, Chris McCann, Thierry Latty-Fairweather.

Goals: Gassan Ahadme (79').

Attendance: 7,645 (243 away).

Referee: Paul Howard.