The Imps first called Ellery Balcombe into action in the 12th minute after Ted Bishop’s deep free-kick into the visitors box was met by Paudie O’Connor whose header was tipped over the crossbar.

City made their early pressure count as a clever corner routine saw Jack Diamond’s dinked delivery from the edge of the area nodded home at the back post by Regan Poole.

Mark Kennedy’s side almost added a second shortly afterwards as Bishop drilled a first-time shot into the goalie before the rebound from Poole was kept out once more from Balcombe at his near post.

Mide Shodipo was next to try his luck in the 23rd minute when O’Connor flicked on a throw for the winger to strike narrowly wide of the post from inside the Pirates’ area.

Joey Barton’s side had an opportunity to level as Aaron Collins raced through on goal to force a reaction save from Carl Rushworth, with Ethan Erhahon well placed to block the follow up.

The Gas were reduced to 10 men in the 42nd minute after Ryan Loft was deemed to have elbowed Carl Rushworth after he had jumped up to claim the ball.

House had a chance to put the Imps further in front on the stroke of half-time when he received a reverse pass from Bishop, but the frontman could only send his effort straight into the keeper.

Bristol Rovers began the second half brightly and they almost levelled through Antony Evans’ 25-yard free-kick which had to be tipped wide of the post by Rushworth at full stretch.

City soon regained larger spells of possession and had a big chance to double their advantage after Jack Diamond’s pressure won him the ball on the halfway line, however the defender quickly recovered to block the effort at goal.

The Imps continued to search for a second but shots from Luke Plange and Ted Bishop continued to rise over Balcombe’s crossbar.

Two former Imps combined for the Gas with just under 15 minutes to play as Harry Anderson’s cross dropped to the feet of John Marquis who couldn’t quite connect with the ball, allowing Rushworth to save comfortably to help see City to another three points

City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole ©, Lewis Montsma, Adam Jackson, Ted Bishop (Lasse Sorensen 80’), Mide Shodipo (Luke Plange 72’), Ethan Erhahon, Paudie O’Connor, Ben House, Sean Roughan, Jack Diamond (Charles Vernam 80’). Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Harry Boyes, Danny Mandroiu, TJ Eyoma.

Goals: Poole (15’).

Bristol Rovers: Ellery Balcombe, James Connolly, Lewis Gordon (Lamare Bogarde 75’), Jarell Quansah, Grant Ward, Aaron Collins ©, Ryan Loft, Antony Evans (John Marquis 75’), Luke McCormick (Scott Sinclair 46’), James Gibbons, Josh Corburn (Harry Anderson 46’). Subs (not used): James Belshaw, Luca Hoole, Calum McDonald. 

Attendance: 8,025 (552 away).