The Imps stretched their unbeaten run in the league to three points with a point at Blackpool - and left the North-West feeling they could easily have claimed all three points.
Jack Moylan and Rob Street had given City a two-goal advantage, before Lee Evans pulled one back from the spot for the hosts. The assistant's flag ruled out Adam Reach and Freddie Draper efforts for offside, as the visitors looked to stretch their lead, before Ashley Fletcher's late equaliser ensured the points were shared.
The home side went into the game with confidence and were looking for a third straight win under new manager Ian Evatt, following their 4-1 Emirates FA Cup win over Carlisle United last weekend and 3-0 success at Rotherham United on Wednesday night.
It was no surprise, therefore, that the Seasiders came out with a real sense of urgency and belief - but having started withs some slick play, they found themselves behind in just the second minute after some quick thinking from the Imps.
Goalkeeper George Wickens came up to take a free-kick and, as the home side were still getting into defensive shape, played a quick curling pass down the right to find the run of Moylan. The Irishman cut inside from the right byline and calmly curled the ball into the far left corner.
That burst Blackpool’s bubble and set the tone for the half, with the Imps threatening quickly afterwards with Reeco Hackett threatening to break through and Tom Bayliss getting a cross in which was well-held by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Another low curled ball down the right, this time from Darikwa and from open play, created danger but on this occasion Street could not get on the end of it.
The visitors were creating all the early chances, with Hackett lifting a left-footed effort over after collecting a pass from Street - who had been fed by Moylan - on the edge of the area.
The second goal felt inevitable and it came after 18 minutes. It was no surprise that Moylan was again involved. He got away into the left of the area, but on this occasion he was held up by Michael Ihiekwe - his stabbed clearance stopped Moylan, but Street was waiting in the space left towards the edge of the area and, after taking a touch, he tried a right-footed shot which again found its way into a top corner. On this occasion he was aided by a deflection off Evans which left Peacock-Farrell stranded.
City were good value for their lead and, with 23 minutes on the clock, Hayden Coulson had the first shot of the match for the home side when the ball fell to him after a corner - but it was way too high to trouble Wickens.
An excellent ball from Hamer very nearly found the run of Moylan, who had snuck to the far post, but Coulson put the ball behind for a corner.
The home side were given a route back into the match after 33 minutes when Fletcher was fouled in the area. Evans stood up to take the penalty kick, calmly finishing with a low effort to the left.
Blackpool had their tails up and enjoyed plenty of possession, but Wickens was not tested again before the break. And the lively Moylan did threaten in time added on, but was squeezed out before he could get a shot away.
Coulson shot wide from Danny Imray's pullback as the home side knew they needed a strong start.
Moylan was also bright and had an effort well blocked by Fraser Horsfall as he again looked to get away down the left.
City did have the ball in the back of the net again after 52 minutes, when Hamer headed the ball back into the area when Hackett's corner was cleared only to him. Reach acrobatically converted but was considered to be in an offside position.
The home side put City under a lot of pressure, but the Imps did well at restricting opportunities. A half-chance from Tom Bloxham was backheeled over after a succession of corners which were well defended, and Horsfall headed over from an Imray cross.
City continued to look dangerous, especially from set-pieces. A Hamer throw eventually led to Street's delivery from the right which Bradley headed just over.
George Honeyman stabbed an effort wide after 67 minutes, following Fletcher's pullback from the left, in what as the best chance the Seasiders had created to this point.
Two Reach corners caused problems for the home side. The first was headed behind, with the second delivery palmed away from right underneath his crossbar by Peacock-Farrell. Hamer also sent an effort wide, after Darikwa's header sent him through.
Freddie Draper, who had replaced Moylan, also had the ball in the back of the net after a good move down the left. Reach sent Justin Obikwu, also off the bench, free and he got to tbe ball ahead of Peacock-Farrell and got enough on it to nudge the ball into Draper's path - but the flag was up as Obikwu had been deemed offside at the point of Reach's pass, though it was a tight call.
The home side equalised after 84 minutes, and there was frustration after Wickens initially did brilliantly to push away Fletcher's snapshot - he directed the ball away to his right but, with the home side committing plenty of men forward in an attempt to get back into the game, the ball was recycled quickly and Fletcher scored at the second attempt.
Both sides had chances in the final stages, with Obikwu having a shot blocked after 88 minutes and Reach experiencing similar with three of the five minutes of time added on played.
Blackpool: Peacock-Farrell, Ashworth, Horsfall, Ihiekwe (Lyons, 46), Evans, Coulson (Hamilton, 82), Imray, Honeyman (Banks, 74), Bowler (Morgan, 65), Bloxham (Taylor, 73), Fletcher. Subs not used: Banks, Husband, Morgan, Favizzoli, Taylor.
Imps: Wickens, Darikwa, Reach, Towler, Hackett (Jefferies, 69), Bayliss, Moylan (Draper, 68), McGrandles, Bradley, Street (Obikwu, 79), Hamer. Subs not used: Jeacock, Ring, Okoronkwo, Varfolomeev.
Referee: Seb Stockbridge
Attendance: 9,227