Though naturally disappointed with the result, head coach Michael Skubala was pleased with the effort his players put in at AFC Wimbledon after playing with 10 men for more than three quarters of the game.
City suffered a 2-0 loss, with Adam Jackson sent off midway through the first half. Soon after the hosts were awarded a penalty and netted again late on to seal the victory.
The Imps kept battling away, though, despite their numerical disadvantage. Skubala said: "I think the game hinged on the red card to be honest. It was always going to be tough day as they're a really well organised side who are difficult to break down, but we'd worked our way into the game and were starting to gain a foothold, and then all of a sudden the sending off completely changed the complexion of it.
"There were a couple of moments in there where we perhaps could have got something, but overall it wasn't to be on the day.
"This group doesn't give in, we kept going and put bodies on the line. We had the mentality to keep going and keep running hard to get something - they've got a good mentality and a good heart."
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Almost 800 City fans made the trip to the capital to back their side for the first away game of the season.
Skubala added: "They saw the lads working so hard to try and get something from the game, and I think they appreciated that. We appreciate them because it's a long way for them to come, but they really were excellent. We dig deep, stick together and go again."
Captain Tendayi Darikwa echoed what the head coach said about the team's resolve. Adding: "We came down here wanting to win but circumstances made that tough for us. It wasn't our day, with the red card and penalty going against us, but to a man we kept going right until the last minute.
"We took a few chances at the end and got caught for the second, but that can happen. Ultimately we're disappointed to lose, it wasn't our day, but we'll roll our sleeves up and keep going. If we keep putting that effort in, more things will fall for us than not."
