The Imps were unable to claim a point from the trip to Oxford United despite a strong second-half performance at the Kassam Stadium.
Michael Appleton’s injury-hit side lined up without a recognised centre-forward and trailed 2-0 at the break thanks to two great James Henry strikes - a much-improved second period saw them create a raft of chances but they could not find a way back to rescue a point.
Anthony Scully’s sixth goal of the season gave the visitors hope after Henry had completed a hat-trick from a penalty, but despite plenty of late pressure it was a frustrating defeat.
