Jemima Footitt felt the Imps were good value for the three points as they defeated Notts County 3-1 at Meadow Lane.
The winger put in an exceptional performance to guide her team to a critical victory which secured City’s place at step four next season.
Footitt said: “It was amazing to play here at Meadow Lane, our performance was really good and the girls should be proud of themselves.
“It was a bit scrappy in the second half, but we kept our heads, worked really hard and deserved the three points.”
Footitt opened the scoring in the 25th minute when she bent a shot into the bottom left corner from range before setting Lucy Farrow up with an eye-catching assist to make it three.
She added: “I tried the shot earlier in the game and it didn’t work - it went wide. The opportunity came again, and I took it and I didn’t expect for it to go in but I’m really happy to score.
“(On the assist) I got the ball at the halfway line, I looked up and didn’t see an option so I thought I'd drive with the ball, and took the defender on.
“I then took an extra touch, passed it back to Lucy and she finished it so I’m really happy.”
Support Footitt and the rest of the team in City’s final match of the season against Loughborough Lightning at Lincoln Moorlands on Sunday 5 May.