City fell to defeat against Solihull Moors on Sunday 24 March, despite a battling performance.

The Imps were dominating the ball early on, but failed to test the Moors’ keeper in the opening exchanges. Maddi Green was a bright spark, enjoying space down the left-hand side, putting a series of dangerous balls into the area.

The first chance of the game went the way of the Imps, Leah Hardy went for goal from a long range free-kick, but her effort was kept out.

Just a few minutes later, there was another long range strike from Hardy, which whistled past the post. 

Despite being the team on top, City then found themselves behind. A looping effort from Beth Gallagher found it’s way into the net giving Solihull the lead against the run of play.

Tiana Russell-Cartwright doubled the hosts’ lead a few minutes later, striking the ball from a tight angle past Poppy Irvine. 

The break saw a change from the bench, with Toni McHamilton entering proceedings as City looked for a way back into the game.

City’s number 12 almost halved the deficit, but her header following a teasing ball from Footitt was wide of the post.

A nice piece of play from Riley on the left set McHamilton up for another shot on goal, but her effort was a tame one. 

The chances kept coming for the Imps, Ella Thompson-Moulding’s effort was cleared off the line before a sublime volley from Hardy dropped just over the crossbar.

The final whistle condemned Lee Mitchell’s side to their first defeat in four, despite plenty of chances to get on the scoresheet. 

Solihull: Lucy Bicknell, Jess Howard, Alex Liddiard, Jenna Roberts, Daina Scott, Abby Jackson, Eva Rogers, Chey Jarvis, Ridhi Ruparelia, Beth Gallagher, Tiana Russell-Cartwright.

Goal(s): Gallagher (40), Russell-Cartwright (45)

Imps: Poppy Irvine, Brogan Pugh (Toni McHamilton 46'), Tilly Fantom, Ella Thompson-Moulding, Chyna McIntosh, Faith Horner, Katie Williams (Alice Wood 72'), Leah Hardy, Maddi Green (Melissa Riley 54'), Lauren Nicholson.