City were defeated on the road by table topping Sporting Khalsa.
The Imps started the game well at the Guardian Warehousing Arena. Leah Hardy had an early chance to put City ahead following some great play from Millie Quaintance down the left, but her effort on goal was held by the Khalsa ‘keeper.
After good pressure, City forced Khalsa into a mistake at the back. The ball fell to Katie Williams in the middle but her shot was high and wide.
Despite early dominance from the Imps, it was Khalsa that went into the lead. A penalty given against the run of play was converted by Laura Smith.
Following a break in play due to an injury to Khalsa’s Olivia Stubbs, City battled their way back into the game and levelled proceedings thanks to a goal from Jemima Footitt. A well-struck ball over the top found the winger, before she showed great composure to tuck the ball away.
A quick fire double for Khalsa, both from corner kicks put the Imps 3-1 down, before a wonder strike from Ania Denham made it four before the break.
As the second-half got underway, some smart play between Quaintance and Toni McHamilton ended with Hardy, but her effort was blocked by a Khalsa defender.
Despite more pressure from the Imps in the final third, Khalsa once again found the net following a well worked set-piece routine.
Suzannah Robinson was then introduced for her senior debut, replacing Tilly Fantom.
City kept battling in the second half, despite the scoreline. Quaintance hit the crossbar, before Footitt nearly scored her second of the afternoon, firing an effort over the bar from the edge of the box.
Two goals in the final ten minutes made it 7-1 and condemned City to defeat against the league leaders.
