The Imps extended their unbeaten home league run with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Morecambe.
The first chance of the game went the way of the visitors after Kieran Phillips picked up the ball before wriggling away from Paudie O’Connor on his way into the box to flash a low effort past the far post.
Charles Vernam almost put City ahead in the 9th minute when he reacted first to collect a loose pass and drive at the defence before seeing his fierce strike deflected to force Connor Ripley into a fingertip save.
City used this momentum to create another opening shortly afterwards which saw Robson break down the left to pull the ball back to Jack Diamond who found a yard of space inside the area to shoot high and wide.
The Imps’ positive start continued as they took the lead in the 17th minute when Max Sanders’ 25-yard free-kick took a deflection off a Morecambe defender inside the area to wrong-foot the goalie and nestle into the net.
Derek Adams’ side hit the woodwork just before the half hour mark when a well-worked corner routine saw Caleb Watts fizz the ball to Phillips whose first-time effort bounced straight off the base of the post.
Jack Diamond went on a mazy run from the halfway line in the 32nd minute before finding Vernam inside the area who failed to control the ball, as City looked to further extend their lead.
City tested the Morecambe defence again a few minutes later when Regan Poole picked Vernam out with a delightful cross from the right who brought the ball down and struck past the far post.
The Imps had a good chance to add a second in the 39th minute when Jamie Robson’s delivery back into the box following a corner was headed down by Poole to TJ Eyoma who controlled it and struck a half-volley straight at the goalie from close range.
Morecambe began the second half brightly and had chances to equalise as Phillips’ angled shot towards the near post was blocked behind by Joe Walsh before Jensen Weir’s powerful effort from distance had to be tipped wide by Rushworth.
The Shrimps continued to threaten when Jake Taylor’s cross from the left found Phillips in the centre who leapt above his man to send a header into Rushworth’s grasp.
Despite the visitors’ pressure in the second half, the Imps fought back and almost added a second when Virtue broke forward and played an accurate pass to Diamond who struck a fierce shot narrowly wide of the post.
Mark Kennedy’s side scored a second goal in the 68th minute when Tashan Oakley-Boothe’s initial left-footed shot was parried into House’s path who tapped in from two-yards out.
Cole Stockton almost pulled one back for Morecambe with a spectacular strike minutes later after he spotted Rushworth off his line and struck a looping 40-yard effort which came off the upright.
The Shrimps ensured a nervy ending for City as Robson’s defensive header from a dangerous cross dropped to Weir on the edge of the area whose strike found the bottom right corner.
City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole ©, Max Sanders (Lasse Sorensen 80’), Charles Vernam (Tashan Oakley-Boothe 62’), Paudie O’Connor, Joe Walsh, Jamie Robson (Sean Roughan 88’), Ben House (Tom Hopper 88’), TJ Eyoma, Matty Virtue, Jack Diamond. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Jacob Davenport, Elicha Ahui.
Goals: Sanders (17’), House (68’).
Morecambe: Connor Ripley, Donald Love ©, Jake Taylor (Arthur Gnahoua 64’), Jensen Weir, Jacob Bedeau, Caleb Watts (Cole Stockton 46’), Liam Shaw, Ryan Cooney (Max Melbourne 80’), Anthony O’Connor, Kieran Phillips, Adam Mayor. Subs (not used): Adam Smith, Farrend Rawson, Ryan Delaney, Ousmane Fane.
Goals: Weir (81’).
Referee: Martin Coy.
Attendance: 8,325 (176 away).
