The Imps were held to a goalless draw at home to Cambridge United in Sky Bet League One.

Cambridge had the first shot on target in the 13th minute after James Brophy wriggled past Regan Poole on the halfway line before setting off Sam Smith into the penalty area whose shot had to be tipped over the crossbar.

The visitors created another chance in the 19th minute as Brophy twisted and turned inside the box before laying the ball off for Ben Worman to deliver towards Smith, whose header bounced comfortably wide.

Mark Bonner’s side continued to enjoy spells of possession through the opening stages and went close again as Conor McGrandles found space on the right to float the ball to Joe Ironside whose downward header was held by Carl Rushworth.

City responded with two half chances of their own before the break through Lasse Sorensen’s sweeping effort from a tight angle before Ben House’s header was high and wide of the target.

Jack Diamond had City’s first real attempt of the second half after he broke away down the left before sending a fizzing effort across goal which was kept out by Dimitar Mitov.

In the 55th minute, all four sides of the LNER Stadium rose to their feet to remember City supporter Marcus Needham who recently passed away.

Both teams struggled to create many openings during the midpoint of the second half, with a few City corners which were caught the closest either side went to breaking the deadlock.

With just over 10 minutes left to play Mandroiu found the ball at his feet on the halfway line and sent a searching long ball forwards which House narrowly missed out on making contact to flick it past the goalie.

Ben House almost won it for the Imps in the 87th minute when Poole’s cross from the right fell to the frontman who showed some tidy footwork to open a shooting opportunity which he put just past the post - leaving the two sides to settle for a point apiece.

City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole ©, Adam Jackson, Ted Bishop (Max Sanders 79’), Mide Shodipo (Charles Vernam 79’), Paudie O’Connor, Ben House, Danny Mandroiu (Jovon Makama 88’), Lasse Sorensen, Sean Roughan (Harry Boyes 88’), Jack Diamond. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Lewis Montsma, TJ Eyoma.

Cambridge: Dimitar Mitov, Paul Digby ©, Lloyd Jones, James Brophy, Joe Ironside (Fejiri Okenabirhie 68’), Sam Smith, Ryan Bennett, Michael Morrison, Conor McGrandles (Harvey Knibbs 80’), Ben Worman, Liam Bennett. Subs (not used): Will Mannion, George Williams, Jack Lankester, Jubril Okedina, Shiloh Tracey.

Referee: Peter Wright.

Attendance: 8,266 (803 away).