The Imps got pre-season underway with a good workout at Championship side Reading FC.
Manager Michael Appleton used the match as an opportunity to give as many players as possible a runout, with two different teams sent out for each half including a significant number of youth team players.
The opening period was an even affair, with Remy Longdon registering the first shot on target after 16 minutes with a low effort which was well held by Rafael Cabral.
Longdon was also instrumental in creating the best chance of the half, winning the ball inside the area before providing a cross which saw Chris Maguire bring a great save out of Cabral.
Maguire, making his first outing for the Imps after signing last week, quickly emerged as a leader on the pitch and someone to help guide his younger team-mates.
And was dangerous across the front third, providing a cross which Freddie Draper headers wide.
Sam Long did well to tip away long-range efforts from Andrew Yiadom and Femi Azeez, with the home side largely restricted to shots from distance.
The second half saw both sides rotate their squads, with Max Sanders making a great block early after the restart to deny the Royals a great chance.
The home side went ahead after 68 minutes when Tyrell Ashcroft got on the end of a ball from Mamadi Camara and produced a smart first-time finish to turn the ball home.
The Imps pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Theo Archibald almost capitalising on hesitancy from the home goalkeeper and claims for handball in the area being waved away by the official.
Imps first half: Sam Long, Josh Simpson, Max Melbourne, Lewis Montsma, Kobi Boffah, Liam Bridcutt, Conor McGrandles, Remy Longdon, Tayo Tucker, Freddie Draper, Chris Maguire.
Imps second half: Trialist, Tayo Edun, Adam Jackson, Hayden Cann, Mekhi Angol, Max Sanders, Billy Brooks, James Jones, Tom Hopper, Jovon Makama, Theo Archibald.
Image courtesy of Reading FC.
