Lewis Fiorini's second goal in as many games earned a point in an entertaining clash with Rotherham United.
The midfielder's second-half finish sealed the point, but the Imps were also thankful to goalkeeper Josh Griffiths to ensure the score remained level.
The game started with both sides showing some real attacking intent, with an early Anthony Scully pass close to sending Tom Hopper through.
A succession of early corners for the Imps came to nothing, although it needed a good block from Ollie Rathbone to stop Conor McGrandles' shot.
The visitors, relegated from the Championship last season, forced a good save out of Griffiths who stopped Michael Smith's close-range effort with his legs.
The Millers took the lead after 22 minutes when Ladapo held the ball up well in the area, before flashing a low cross towards the six-yard box where Michael Smith had timed his run to perfection to fire home.
Fiorini fired an effort just wide after 28 minutes, with good balls through almost sending Hopper then Fiorini through on the visiting keeper Viktor Johansson.
Fiorini went close again after 37 minutes with a low shot which Johansson scrambled away, while Griffiths again had to be alert to turn an Oliver Rathbone shot wide and ensure the score remained 1-0 at the break.
The Imps started the second period brightly and drew level after 55 minutes.
Fiorini won the ball back just inside his own half and surged forward. A one-two with Chris Maguire sent him through on goal and he calmly finished past Johansson.
Scully flashed an effort just wide after a run with the ball which started inside his own half
The match was end-to-end at this point, with Griffiths making his third good save when he stopped a Smith header from point-blank range after 69 minutes.
The visitors showed their strength in depth as they brought Will Grigg and Kieran Sadlier off the bench.
Lewis Montsma hooked an effort just wide for the Imps, before Griffiths again stepped up to tip away Smith's close-range header after Chiedoze Ogbene's cross from the right.
Griffiths again had to be alert moments later as Sadlier tried an effort from distance, although his shot took a deflection.
The visitors created the best chances in a nervy finish, with Ben Wiles and Smith flashing efforts wide.
The Imps did threaten through a counter led by Cohen Bramall, but in the end settled for a point.