City couldn’t quite stage a second-half comeback as two late goals led to Peterborough United beating the Imps 4-1.
Posh started the game well and took the lead after 12 minutes when Keir Perkins finished at the back post from Katie Middleton’s cross.
The Imps tried to muster a response, and had their first shot when some good play down the left led to Leah Hardy striking wide of goal.
Lana Timson was then called into action at the other end as she denied Sophie Scargill with a great save.
As the game neared half-time City conceded a second with Rosie Axten nodding home from a corner.
After the break the Imps improved and nearly had reward for their pressure when Cassie Steward’s poked effort was cleared off the line after a corner had caused panic in the Peterborough defence.
Maddi Green then forced Neive Corry into a decent stop directly from a free-kick as City continued to push.
The hosts nearly caught Lee Mitchell’s side cold however, as on the counter-attack Perkins poked wide from close range.
Lucy Farrow was then introduced for the Imps, and she made an immediate impact, using her pace to shake off her marker before forcing Corry into a stop.
With 13 minutes to go City got themselves a goal back as Faith Horner planted a header into the top corner.
Spurred by the goal, the Imps pushed forward and nearly equalised when Chantelle Robinson struck over.
But City’s hopes were dashed when Tara Kirk whipped the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Peterborough then made the three points safe in injury time as Middleton powered a shot past Timson.