Goals from Oliver Casey and CJ Hamilton condemned the Imps to defeat on New Year’s Day at Blackpool.
City began the match on the front foot but were unable to take advantage as Dylan Duffy’s 25-yard free-kick flew over the target before Ethan Hamilton’s first time effort bounced wide of the right post.
The pressure continued from the Imps who looked to impose themselves on the match, with chances for Lasse Sorensen and Alex Mitchell both failing to find the target after striking on the volley.
Blackpool still looked to threaten though and could’ve gone ahead in the 26th minute if it wasn’t for some last-ditch defending as Albie Morgan cut the ball back to Matty Virtue whose fierce effort couldn’t find a way past Adam Jackson.
Neil Critchley’s side then took the lead three minutes later after Karamoko Dembele lofted a free-kick from just inside City’s half towards Oliver Casey who rose highest in the box to nod down into the bottom right corner.
There wasn’t much to split the sides heading into the break, although City almost found themselves two behind after Owen Dale cut in from the left wing to send a deflected effort just over the bar.
The two teams both had chances at the start of the second half but Callum Connolly’s long range drive and Dylan Duffy’s low strike were both unable to trouble the goalies.
Jensen was forced into another save in the 56th minute as Dale came in from the left to force a smart diving save from the Dane at his near post to keep the score at 1-0 heading into the remaining 30 minutes.
Blackpool had a big chance to double their lead on the break in the 63rd minute after Dembele managed to get away from Duffy and Eyoma, but the forward could only blast over the target.
The Imps continued to fight but it was the hosts who looked the more likely to score in the final 15 minutes of the match.
CJ Hamilton’s curling effort towards the far post was flicked behind by Alex Mitchell before Morgan’s free-kick was met by Jordan Rhodes whose header forced a reaction save from Jensen.
Hamilton then went and sealed victory for the Tangerines in stoppage time after stealing possession from Eyoma high up the pitch, and despite the best efforts from the onrushing Jensen, bundled the ball past the City goalie.
Blackpool: Dan Grimshaw, Callum Connolly (Marvin Ekpiteta 71’), James Husband ©, Owen Dale, Albie Morgan, Kyle Joseph (Sonny Carey 80’), Karamoko Dembele (Andy Lyons 80’), Jordan Rhodes, Matty Virtue, Oliver Casey, CJ Hamilton. Subs (not used): Richard O’Donnell, Dom Thompson, Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Doug Tharme.
Goals: Casey (29’), Hamilton (90+2').
Imps: Lukas Jensen, Lasse Sorensen (Jaden Brown 57’), Adam Jackson ©, Ali Smith (Oisin Gallagher 88’), Ted Bishop (Mide Shodipo 61’), Ethan Hamilton, Dylan Duffy, Hakeeb Adelakun (Jack Vale 61’), TJ Eyoma, Alex Mitchell, Jovon Makama. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Bola Okewoye.
Referee: Marc Edwards.
Attendance: 10,353 (496 away).
