City secured three points in a dominant display at Moorlands to pick up their second league win of the season.
The Imps started brightly and opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Jess Rousseau. The forward latched onto an under-hit back pass before rounding Leah Kellogg and making no mistake in finishing into the empty net.
City continued creating chances as the half progressed with Rachael Howes having two attempts on goal from corners that were just off target.
Lee Mitchell’s side doubled their lead in the 21st minute as Lucy Farrow was played through and cooly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Sheffield were forced into making an early change following a lengthy break in play. Molly Waite was involved in a nasty clash of heads and was replaced by Nicole Cooper.
When play resumed, the away side tested Lana Timson in goal with a few attempts that were well-collected by the City keeper.
The lively Rousseau had an effort from the edge of the box saved deep into added time.
The whistle then blew and the Imps went into halftime with a two-goal advantage.
The second half began with a slick passage of play from the City forwards which resulted in Leah Hardy forcing Kellogg into a smart save.
18-year-old Maddi Green had a great battle with Sheffield’s right-back Pip Cassidy throughout the game and put an enticing cross into the box which just evaded the onrushing attack.
The Imps had most of the possession during the second half and kept the game in Sheffield’s half. This possession turned into chances as Farrow and Rousseau linked up well before the latter had a powerful shot on target.
City made multiple substitutions on the hour mark as they looked to continue their control of the game. Shortly after, there were shouts for handball just inside the Sheffield penalty area which were rebuffed by the referee.
In the 76th minute, Hardy swung in a great corner and City captain Tilly Fanton headed narrowly wide.
As the game headed into the 90th minute, Green used her pace to break through on goal but was stopped by a brilliant last-ditch sliding challenge from Niamh McKevitt.
The Imps saw out the game resolutely to claim a clean sheet and a much-deserved three points.
Sheffield will return to Moorlands next Sunday as the two sides play again in the Women’s FA Cup.
