Sonny Bradley believes City are being rewarded for their hard work on the training ground.
The summer signing played the first 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Leicester City U21, before head coach Michael Skubala named a fresh XI for the second half where James Collins scored the only goal of the game.
Bradley said: “I played in the first half but wanted to make sure that I took in the full second period, just to see what we looked like.
“You’re looking for those little patterns of play and partnerships developing and I certainly think there was evidence of that.
“The game was exactly what we expected it to be and the outcome was what we wanted.
“I’m pleased that we kept a clean sheet, I know that in pre-season the result isn’t everything, but I do think it is really important to start building relationships and understanding the basics of what the manager demands.
“We’ve been working on certain things in training and it is pleasing that those things are starting to come together now.”
Bradley joined the Imps at the start of June and the four-time promotion winner says it has been easy to settle in at his new club.
He added: “I immediately felt comfortable with the whole group after I arrived. I was well aware before I came here that we have an excellent dressing room, full of good characters and it has been easy to settle into such a strong environment.
“When you come in with a good attitude and a willingness to work, your life does become easier.
“It has been a very good first few weeks and I’m really looking forward to seeing how things continue to develop.”