The Imps secured their place in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup thanks to Max Sanders' strike.
The only goal of the game from Sanders was enough to see Michael Appleton’s team through against a resilient performance from the visiting Non-League side.
Michael Appleton made a number of changes to the line-up which drew against Shrewsbury, including starts for Academy graduates Sam Long, who was recalled from his loan at Gainsborough Trinity before kick-off, and Sean Roughan. Sanders was also handed a starting place in midfield.
The first half saw Appleton rewarded with his selection of Long who twice produced fantastic saves in the opening period
Whilst the Imps dictated much of the play and controlled possession through the half, the visitors threatened through their set-pieces.
After 18 minutes a delivery into the Imps box fell to Max Cornhill who’s effort was tipped onto the bar by the fingertips of Long.
The Imps restored control after their woodwork scare, with efforts from distance testing Mitchell Beeney in the Bowers net.
It was Dutchman Lewis Montsma after 23 minutes who came close to finding an opener for Appleton’s side, as his effort from the edge of the area was deflected just past a post for an Imps corner.
A little over 10 minutes later and a deep free-kick from Jamie Dicks almost found the far corner but for the outstretched hand of Long was able to turn the effort beyond the post at the expense of a corner.
That was the closest the visiting side came to finding a way through the Imps who rarely lost their grip on the game for the remainder of the tie.
Just before half-time a flurry of chances presented themselves to Dan Nlundulu and Hakeeb Adelakun within the area, although neither connected with their efforts cleanly enough to make the breakthrough.
Halftime: 0-0
The start of the second half saw the Imps increase the tempo of the game in which they controlled, introducing another Academy graduate in Freddie Draper only a few minutes after the restart.
Draper found himself immediately involved in the action when, after 58 minutes, he met a Chris Maguire cross, only for his header to be clawed away by Beeney at full-stretch.
Much like the first half display from Sam Long, Appleton was rewarded with his choice of team selection after Max Sanders found a way through the deep-lying Bowers defence on 66 minutes.
Scoring his first goal for the Imps, Sanders fired home from six yards, planting his effort into the roof of the net from close range.
Lincoln continued to dictate the play and were on the search to double their lead.
After 82 minutes Draper went yet closer to finding his first senior goal for the club. His looping effort towards the back post was kept out by a desperate Beeney who frantically back-pedalled to keep his side in the tie.
Appleton’s side remained composed however, and were able to navigate through the final through minutes to see themselves into the hat for the second round of this season’s FA Cup.
Full Time: 1-0
Attendance: 5,849 (490 away)
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