The Imps continued their pre-season preparation with a midweek friendly against Nottingham Forest XI at The Nigel Doughty Academy.
City’s first opportunity in front of goal came just after the 10-minute mark as Jovon Makama was played through but the forward’s effort was saved by the Forest keeper and put out for a corner. The resulting set-piece led to a second chance for the Imps but Hayden Cann’s header was put wide.
Sam Long was forced to produce an impressive save close to the halfway point in the opening 45, tipping Harry Arter’s free-kick over the bar. The Imps had to defend well moments later with Adam Jackson blocking a strong Forest effort from the edge of the box.
Both teams continued to show bright spells towards the end of the first half, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Michael Appleton made a number of changes at half-time allowing first team players: Lewis Montsma, Cohen Bramall, Max Sanders, Conor McGrandles and Remy Longdon minutes in their legs. Academy players Kobi Boffah and Freddie Draper were also introduced at the break.
The Imps started the second half well with Montsma coming forward to play a great ball wide to Bramall. The left-back’s whipped cross was blocked by the Forest defence, but City soon won back possession.
Mekhi Angol entered play for the Imps three minutes short of the hour mark, replacing the injured Boffah.
It was young forward Freddie Draper who gave City the lead in the 61st minute, capitalising on a mistake from the Forest defence by smashing his effort into the top left corner. However, the home side soon made up for their mistake at the back, levelling the score three minutes later through Josh Barnes.
Academy midfielder Billy Brooks showed promising play as he broke forward for the Imps, before producing a well-timed ball to Draper inside the area, the forward took a first time shot, forcing the Forest goalkeeper to tip wide for a City corner.
The winning strike came in the 90th minute, with Dale Taylor finding the back of the net for Forest.
Imps First Half: Sam Long, Hayden Cann, Adam Jackson, Max Melbourne, Tayo Edun, Liam Bridcutt, Jovan Makama, James Jones, Billy Brooks, Chris Maguire, Tom Hopper
Imps Second Half: Sam Long, Hayden Cann, Lewis Montsma, Max Melbourne, Cohen Bramall, Max Sanders, Conor McGrandles, Billy Brooks, Kobi Boffah, Freddie Draper, Remy Longdon